soaking up summer

Can't believe summer's almost at an end.

We're trying to enjoy what's left of it!  

The kids have been out playing soccer in the dewey morning grass, riding bikes to the park in the afternoon heat, and just hanging around outside, enjoying their break from study and structure.  They're finishing up some fun summer reading, and getting ready to dig back into the classics and put on their dusty math and science caps.

As for me, I enjoyed a little Park City getaway last week with my man.  We stayed at this beautiful mountain resort and it was amazing!  I love to escape every now and then and have a little adventure, just the two of us.  But I have to admit, I was not looking forward to this one quite as much, because it was a business getaway.  Not that I don't enjoy those, but if I'm going to go through the work and preparation that goes along with leaving the kids at home with a sitter (in this case, my wonderful mom), I like to be alone just the two of us, and relax.

So I met Brandon at the hotel (gorgeous, beautiful, dreamy place) and got all dressed up...
and we actually had a great time!  I felt like I got a fresh perspective on what the Mr. does and who he deals with on a daily basis.  Inspiring.  And intimidating.  So glad it's him and not me.  I'm very content in my little world of home and family and community.  Business?  Glad that's his realm.  Thankful that he works hard.  And that he loves it.  And that he isn't scared out of his socks to shoot the breeze with and deliver presentations to dozens of high net-worth investors and CEO's.  Because I would be.

But what I loved the most about the conference?  Meeting so many amazing people.  No matter how high profile they were, or what their business or background, these were good, good people.  Good to the core.  We chatted about parenting and education and social media and teenagers and toddlers.  We ate a fancy dinner together and listened to an amazing guest speaker (who made me feel rather ignorant, with his vast knowledge and experience...wow!).  And, who happened to need a ride to the airport, along with his wife and colleague.  Ahem, never thought I'd have a four-star general in my car.  One of the most interesting, memorable drives of my life!  Good people, I tell you.  And not bad to know that someone like that has your back, either :)!

And so our lovely summer adventures come to an end.  I'm finalizing our fall study schedule this week, so we'll be ready to go after Labor Day!  I'll miss the lazy days of summertime, however I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine.  And I'm looking forward to pumpkin pie.  And pumpkin muffins.  And pumpkin bread.  And fires on the hearth.  And knitting.  Ah, fall!