Summer, in past years, has always been one of my favorite times of year. The weather allows for plenty of outside time, more activity and spending time in what seems to be a more relaxed state of mind. Having Charleigh here with us now to experience summer has made it even more enjoyable so far. Simple little activities like going to the dog park, splashing in a swimming pool and watching fireworks took on a whole new meaning these past couple of months. Its a feeling I can't put into words to watch her experience things like this for the first time. Her big round eyes get even bigger and she looks at Dan and I with amazement.
Every night that the weather and schedule allows we take a walk as a family. Dan and I leash up Piper and get Charleigh in her stroller and off we go. Piper is pretty thrilled with the fact that Charleigh loves walks too because that means we go for them very often. Piper, Charleigh and I walk together every morning before nap time. We have a few different routes throughout the neighborhood. Sometimes Charleigh lounges back in her stroller with her feet up, other times she's poised and peaking around her stroller to see what Piper is doing next to her, or looking back at something or someone we just passed. I love walks with my two girls because it's one of the few times of the day where they are both content, quiet and entertained without me having to do all that much. Nighttime walks are just as nice because they allow Dan and I to talk about our days and have some time without our computers, phones or television.
I find that this year I'm almost as excited for summer to end as I was for it to begin. Maybe because I'm so excited to get to experience another seasons with Charleigh, or perhaps it's because it's been in the 90's the last week or so...but fall and cooler temps seem just as exciting.
I hope to take Charleigh to the fair, a local festival of two, and to many more outdoor summertime events. Being away from home in the heat of summer isn't always an easy activity with an infant but I feel like if we at least try to do things, even if we only get to stay for a little while...it's usually worth the effort.
There are some activities that she's still too young to really "get" but as long as she's got new things to look and hold her attention and she's cruising along in her stroller she's a happy girl!
When Charleigh's happy, mommy is happy too!
