It’s been a wonderful summer and our time at the beach has been so much fun. We enjoyed spending time with friends, delicious meals under the stars and pizza on the beach for dinner with a twilight swim afterwards.
I have come to accept that summer does not include much family time. The kids are far too busy with their friends to hang out with mum and dad, except for this last week. Most of our friends have left for home and for a brief period we have our girls back which has made this last week at the beach all the more special.
I have had time to listen. To hear about their hope and fears. We have been talking about plans for the new school year; how to get homework done more efficiently and concerns about meeting new people and making friends.
Mac spent every August sunrise at the beach this year making a ritual of watching as the sky lightened and throwing himself into the waves as the sun grazed the horizon. His enthusiasm was so infectious even the girls began joining him and bringing their friends, making for a new summer tradition.
We ended our time at the beach with a session in the kitchen and lovely tomato relish. We made enough to last a year! The recipe is below.
I found a list at BergenMama that basically hits all the “one more time” summer activities for this weekend- 3 or more would make a fantastic Labor Day weekend. We’ll see what we can squeeze in.
No matter what you do, our family wishes your family a very safe and happy holiday!