The last day of Summer......

I'm realizing that for us, today is technically the last day of Summer. Liliana starts Kindergarten tomorrow. She has been nervous and anxious about it, but we went to a "Meet and Greet" BBQ at her school yesterday and she had a great time. She met her teacher, played in her classroom, and played at the playground.

Liliana's teacher has requested that each student prepare a box with 3 - 5 items that help describe the best parts of their Summer vacation. When I was a kid I never liked these exercises, because although I had a very happy childhood, it didn't seem to me that I did anything too exciting. My family was more into day trips and family events, and it seemed like everyone else had been to Disney World, or other enviable and exotic locations. (In reality there were probably only a handful of kids in the class who went on those vacations.) Now that I'm older and wiser, I know the most precious moments are often the simplest and involve the people we love.

I don't know what Lili will choose for her box, but if I had to create a box of favorite memories from the Summer, I think it would include....

THOMAS!

and The Boston Museum of Science, and our friend Meredith (Merf), without whom we would not have been able to go.

Meredith was our Summer angel who helped us out tremendously! We spent a gorgeous day at Great Island Common in Newcastle with her, her brother Alex, mother Dianne, and Dennis.

Speaking of angel helpers, we had Kelsey join us too! The Stratham Fair wouldn't be the same without "Cookies!"

As always, Dee was there whenever I called. Always willing to help, she brought much needed supplies (like bananas) and made everything fun.

Dennis was our newest recruit for park trips, and the kids took to him instantly. We also had fun swimming at his pool with Glen and Sarah.

We hosted a really fun barbecue birthday party for my Mom...

...and a Fourth of July gathering for my Dad's side of the family. Here is Dad with his sisters.

Our little inflatable pool on the deck provided lots of entertainment.

Even when there was no water in it.

And nearly every night, bubbles and dancing on the deck.

Last Summer it was Eve who sent us to the Emergency Room twice when she ate a mushroom in the yard, and got a bad head bonk the following week. This summer had been free of medical emergencies, until today. We had our neighbors over (Paulette and her kids Kaia, Hayden, and Liam). It was pretty chaotic with 7 kids running around. Suddenly Faith was choking on goldfish crackers, and not breathing. Then she turned purple. I quickly asked Paulette to call 911. The police and EMT's were here within 2 minutes, and by then Faith had cleared the crackers and was breathing normally and talking, Praise God. She's fine. I'm still recovering. Talk about ending the Summer with a bang!