Good bye Summer

I can't believe Summer is coming to a close. Luckily the warm weather isn't going anywhere yet. Looking back on the Summer that seemed to disappear into thin air I realize we've accomplished a lot, which has kept us very busy. Maybe this is one of the reasons why it seems to pass by us so quickly. Here's a few of the things we've done:

We started the sunny season with a trip to Mackinaw. I still think of the places we visited every day. No wonder why people love traveling. It’s so exciting and refreshing.

We spent time getting to know some of our Texas family. I sure miss having Shawnie, Garison and Megyn at the house. They are a great group of kids.

Brick by brick, Ryan built the retaining wall that was caving in. This includes steps and a cable fence too! His determination transformed a portion of the yard and it looks cleaner and serves a purpose of keeping the hill from eroding.

He also learned to how to tame the pool chemicals this Summer. When we pulled back the tarps to open the pool earlier this Summer we found a smelly swamp (sorry to anyone who swam in it and didn’t know this). We went from swampy mush to cloudy, to clear, to green to seeing through the clear blue water to the bottom of the pool. People aren’t kidding when they say pools are a lot of work.

Even better, Edee learned to swim! She spent a couple hours in the pool with Grandma Diane and once she learned she couldn’t stop. She paddles around in her life vest and arm floaties all over the pool. She even jumped off the diving board all by herself a couple days ago. After the jump and between gasps for air she told me, “I never want to jump off the diving board again,” even though I was jumping up and down with excitement that she took the leap.

We watch Maddi play lots and lots of softball. We watched her dedicate the majority of her Summer to supporting her team at practices, games and tournaments. Her dedication sure payed off because she was accepted to the Grand Rapids Blaze, which turns out is a pretty big deal for an 11 year old.

I turned 30 and was given the most amazing surprise birthday party. I still can't thank my hubby enough for the stealthy planning and thoughtfulness. A Hawaiian-themed pool party complete with a live band and my brother home from Utah. This girl couldn't ask for more. Plus, friends, family and all the food I could dream of.

We, or Ryan rather, painted our house blue. I always think painting is fun (on canvas and small things). Ryan will be the first to admit I am MIA when the rollers and buckets come out.

This Summer we watched 3 parades; Coast Guard Kids parade, The Coast Guard Parade and Pentwater Homecoming Parade! By the third one Edee was a candy gathering queen. Edee hears the word parade and the word "TREATS!" runs out of her mouth.

I grew vegetables. I actually grew vegetables. We had fresh picked peas, cherry tomatoes and green peppers. I am still so amazed by the fulfilling taste of food I grew by hand.

The Miller's finally went camping (minus Maddi). We kept the tradition going with a trip to Hill & Hollow campground in Pentwater. Being away from home was tough on Edee but hammock naps, collecting beach glass, S'mores, pool time and hobo dinners made for a rather exceptional vacation.

I can't forget to mention seeing the Oceana MVPs play, celebrating the marriage of Tommy and Auri Vanhill, meeting my cousins daughter Gabriella, spending time with Ryan's brother Jeff and his gang, backyard adventures with the Heppler family and...I am sure there is so much more.

Looking back on the last few months my heart is full. We've made a lot of great memories our first year in our home. It truly has been a great Summer. 

I am looking forward to a Fall of color tours, movie nights, trick or treating and more time together.

Till next time keep loving.