....sighhhh.... summer...

We've had a great summer.  Looking back the last few months have been difficult for me on a professional level, but on a personal Mom level (which is the level that really matters), it's been great.  This little girl is my delight.  She challenges me on a lot of levels, but God has given me a measure of grace to handle the times of difficulty.   I'll go into why & how a little bit more in another post.

For now, just a wrap up of our end of summer fun...

A few weeks ago Madalynn & I had an "M&M" day (Mommy & Madalynn day)... we went shopping for some fall clothes for her, and then out to lunch.  She HAD to have her purse which was filled with the characters from Toy Story... I just love that she is such a girly-girl, with a dash of boy mixed in.

Then our attempt at a self-portrait on the anniversary of when we met 3 years ago... I'm not sure how you get a camera to focus when it's on a tripod w/ a timer... I'm going to have to figure that out...

Last year...Wow, we both had shorter hair...

Two years ago...

The day we met three years ago...

Then unfortunately... the beginning of September brought me closer to a dreaded chronological number... particularly as a single.  So... I made myself some lemon cupcakes to celebrate with my girl...

Then my parents took me out for lobster... 1st & last time of the season... YUMMMY... I enjoyed every bite...

 

Saturday the family came over for cake & ice cream... I thought Madalynn was going to levitate when she saw Ga-Ga & Grandpa get out of the car with balloons... she was screaming & jumping up & down...

Yesterday we found a ladybug... one of Madalynn's favorite things...

I'm also happy to report that 'Emo' (aka Nemo) is doing very well, and you may think I'm crazy but that fish has a sweet, friendly personality.  I swear she waves to you when you look at her. 

This is a switch for me, I've never been big on summer, but now I'm kind of melancholy that it's ending.  I still love all things fall... the crisp air, apples, football, cozy clothes, etc.  I'm looking forward to all of that, but I'm dreading the months, months, months, and months of cold & grey that come after it.  Also, Madalynn starts pre-school next week so that may also be contributing to my sadness... she is so ready, and I think it's going to be wonderful for her.  I just don't think I'm ready.  It's another phase of letting go.