Pink flowers down Caxambas Court

Sweet, sweet summertime.

Ridiculous amount of emotions and experiences must be documented from the last two weeks. With time, they will. Tonight, I'm in the here and now. Soaking in the warmth of my Shabby Chic bedding as if it were an overflowing bubble bath, enjoying heaping spoonfuls of double dark chocolate gelato and fresh memories of adventure.

Sunday nights are reserved for family dinners and giggles and wine and stories. Old friends and new friends are welcome with open arms. Tonight, three-year-old Avery and I walked hand-in-hand picking pink flowers down Caxambas Court. Consuming hearty helpings of pasta and shrimp and lobster, we ended the night with bowls of fruit piled high with whipped cream. My belly and heart are full at the thought of it all. Watching Avery enjoy a Florida summer sunset over fruit salad, she would mumble, night night strawberry, right before she would sink her teeth into the juicy seasonal fruit. Intelligent beyond her years, she identified every fruit. I had to giggle when I heard, night night cucumber. I thought, for sure cucumbers had no place in a fruit salad. Avery learned tonight that kiwis and cucumbers are extremely similar in appearance. I basked in the presence of this free-spirit. Oh did I enjoy this summer night.

The sun sank below the horizon line as cars and trucks and boat engines roared and we departed our separate ways. Refreshed and prepared to conquer the week ahead. Behind the wheel of my brother's silver two-door Honda, I drowned thoughts and worries in my sixteen-year-old self's summer playlist, breathing in cool, humid Florida air. Oh, did I feel full and blessed and free and whole.

Welcome back sweet, sweet summertime.

taste it

I spent, likely, my last Saturday night with the boys last weekend. Matt and Nick. I've been their 'stand-in' while my sister's gone exploring the unknown of foreign countries. They're her pride and joy. She's been with them close to six years and they adore the ground she stands on. Wonderful boys. They almost make me want a few. Never thought I'd be saying that.

Soccer balls soared across the yard at sunset. Spur-of-the-moment, fully clothed dips in the pool. Their negotiation was won. Blue and blown eyes disappeared behind reflective goggles. Splashes and giggles were music to my ears as I finished up dinner. Summer is close enough to taste.

Politeness earns adventure. Little boys with manners deserve exploration. Rushed a blonde and a brunette out the garage door, grabbed scooters and we were off. The race began. Three of us racing the sun to the finish line. Rules were made clear: crosswalks alone are forbidden, recklessness around patrons was unacceptable and maintaining manners was essential. Agreed upon. The race continued.

The eldest adventured further than my blue-eyed baby. Living to push the limits. Conversation trumps struggle in baby blue's world. Finding protection in conversation.

Our prize was in sight. Petite legs pushed harder, little feet moved with urgency. Spin. Self-serve frozen yogurt. Anxious eyes glared at me from crosswalks as to say, 'hurry! we're so close!'

Scooters propped against the building. Cups filled quickly. Concoctions mentally prepared. Finding a seat outside, we shared spoons. Heaping spoonfuls of candies and tart yogurt and popping boba. This time my older one finds comfort in connection. Shares knowledge about passing cars and motors and why I don't want a motorcycle license.

Our adventure is slowing dwindling down as the sun sinks beyond the horizon. Close to my side on the trek home. Pointer fingers and big eyes on the 'super moon.' Again, knowledge about the moon is heard from the older one. Retained information, like a sponge, from TIME Kid's. I didn't even know that existed.

The night ended with jamies and toothbrushes and hugs and giggles. Sweet, sweet giggles. Conversation continued until the lights were forced out. I pray they remember these days when they are older. I pray they remember this feeling. When they drive downtown at their leisure. When they spend more time with friends and less time with each other. The day when these adventures are not so special.

I pray they long for this feeling; hopeful that we made memories they'll long for. The magical feeling they allowed me to feel again. Carefree, summer adventures amongst nature.

Unexplainable tingles that summer is so close & Saturday night, we took a big bite and tasted it.