Chasing Summer

Where did the summer go?  After our Grand Canyon trip, Lewie spent six weeks at Camp 565, and then we had three full weeks in August to get in those final summer activities.  Unfortunately, I couldn't take a lot of time off from work.  A few half days each week had to do the trick, but thankfully, it did.

Summer vacation ends tomorrow with the beginning of school, but at least I can say we did everything in our power to make those final summer moments last.  Here's a glimpse of our last summer play-dates.

On Thursday, August 10th, we went to Jenning's Beach in Fairfield to play some "tag," followed by a beach dance party, and movie, The Secret Life of Pets.  It was our first movie on the beach, and it did not disappoint; we are committed to doing it again next year with family.

Next, it was time for us to make use of our season passes to Lake Compounce Amusement Park.  We spent one day with dear friends and the next with family.  On both days, Little Lewie went to bed grinning from ear-to-ear.  I did too.  Even though I get motion sickness on many of the rides I used to enjoy as a kid, there were still plenty of rides and activities I could enjoy with Lewie.

Before going into the haunted house to hunt ghosts.

At the Wave Pool...

On the trolley ride with Corey and cousins...

The last week, we had some good old-fashioned fun at Burr Pond and Hammonasset Beach State Park.  At Burr Pond, Lewie pretended to be an explorer with his friend, Kirsten.  ("I just love exploring nature, Mommy" was his comment.)  At Hammonasset, Lewie rode the waves and then did some bike riding with me through the campground.  After biking, Lewie fell asleep on the car ride home.  It was proof that our day at the beach was a true success...

Finally, our summer vacation ended with Little Lewie's very first concert--we scored six free tickets to see Earth, Wind, and Fire at the Meadows.  Hubby and I were originally going to have a date with my sister-in-law and her husband, but at the last minute, we thought...what if Lewie and his cousin Sarah joined us?  Sarah danced all the way to the end and Lewie passed out at 10:30, having rested his head on Daddy's shoulder one minute too long.

Besides their talent and passion for music, the band members of Earth, Wind, and Fire had awesome "energy."  I love the fact that they seemed to have so much gratitude for their fans. My favorite song to this day is still their hit, "September."  The song came out when I was three.  Yes, I am still a 70's girl at heart.

In less than 12 hours, Lewie will be stepping onto the bus for third grade.  It's a bittersweet reminder that Lewie's days as a precious second-grader are gone.  Time for a new year...  I'll be praying it'll be a good one.

The Birthday Boy (Age 9)

Little Lewie turned nine on August 11th, but so far, it's been a month-long celebration.  Last week, we invited Lewie's friends over for a pool party, and this weekend, we invited family.  (Lack of chairs and tables kept us from being able to host all at once.)

For Lewie's friend party, he asked for his "bestie" Corey to come over.  (This is the first time he announced that he has a "best friend" at school.)  However, he is quick to announce that "everyone" is a best friend.  This includes friends from Cub Scouts and friends he has known since he was a toddler (from Mommy's circle of friends).

Lewie's friends Ryan (left) and Hunter (right)

Lewie's "Tag Buddies" - Corey and Brody
(They play tag all the time during school recess.)

Here are a few more fun pictures captured with friends.  Basically, they spent the day playing in the pool, jumping on the trampoline, and eating yummy s'mores cupcakes.  (They did stop one other time to eat pizza.)

Lewie's family party meant favorite aunts and cousins on both sides, (including Ninny, Grammy, and Uncle Moises), and since my in-laws know how to party, they stayed well into the evening for some night swimming, campfire songs, and s'mores.

Oreo Cookie Ice-cream Cake - This was Lewie's next choice after s'mores cupcakes

Gift time was fun.  Presents ranged from Minecraft Legos and Star Wars StormTroopers to an astronomy book and telescope.  Of course, he also did get some Game Stop gift cards and a few video games--namely, Spatoon, Mario Kart, and The Legend of Zelda.

Now that the rush is over, and I have the chance to reflect on both weekends, all I can say is that I feel truly blessed.  We are sorry that some of our loved ones, namely Papa, Uncle Terry, and Aunty Sarah are no longer with us to celebrate this special day, but we know they were with us in spirit.  At the same time, we feel incredibly lucky to still have Lewie's grandmothers and great aunts to celebrate with us.  And of course, all the little cousins keep us on our toes, too.  We had two beautiful days of weather surrounded by friends and family--I can't imagine asking for anything more.