Farewell to Summer...

Today is officially my last day of summer vacation. It has been a WONDERFUL summer. The Brinkleys did not travel far from home this year to find adventure. Instead, we had a "staycation". The most difficult decision facing each day was "Which porch shall we have our coffee on this morning?" and "What book shall we start next?". We spent countless hours at the pool and playing tennis. We read dozens of books and enjoyed our fabulous new library. We entertained many play dates and sleep over guests, even throwing a tea party on one occasion. We piddled in the yard, endured six hours of gymnastics each week (Sophie), visited the free movies each week, enjoyed a great VBS, had a screaming great time at Six Flags, and loved seeing my brother's children from Montana. It was the most relaxing and enjoyable summer that we have had in some time. I am so very thankful that we were all together, healthy, and for most of every day truly enjoyed one another's company.

I was so lazy this summer that I didn't get the camera out very much, but here are a few shots that I did capture.

Our visit with Morgan and Garet- My aunt Anita hosted a party for the children to visit with all the extended family. Below are a small number of the great-grandchildren represented on my mother's side.

Morgan and Garet spent one night at our house. I asked Garet if he would like pancakes for breakfast, and he informed me "only if they're homemade". Here they're enjoying their homemade pancakes.

Reagan helping me bake homemade blueberry muffins. We picked blueberries on two different occasions this summer. YUM!

Reagan and her friend Carsten enjoying some pool time

Sophie and her pal Elise

It's a wonder the girls didn't grow fins and webbed feet this summer!

Reagan planned an American Girl tea party at our house and invited the Huster girls over. She got the recipes for the party from an American Girl book that she has. The four girls and I spent the morning baking and had the tea party afterward.

Sophie and Rebecca

Reagan and Laurel

The menu included petit fors, wedding cookies, candied pecans, and PB&J sandwiches.

Dad and Sophie easing into the morning on the back porch

Lily found that she could watch the squirrels from this chair.

It's back to the five a.m. routine starting tomorrow!