End of Another Summer

 The days are flying by so fast.  Nothing I do is slowing them down, even in the slightest.

This is one of our last summers with our oldest.  In just a few short weeks he is turning 17.  He's making plans for University - away, of course.  Either Toronto or Victoria.  I find myself taking big breaths as I think about him heading out, and stretching his wings.  I know he'll be fine, wherever he finds himself, because he is resourceful, and independent, and kind, and can find or make a friend in pretty much any crows.  But still.  He won't be at home with my watchful eye on him, making sure his laundry is getting done, that he's eating healthfully...  the one who made me a mom is preparing to leave the nest, and there's a certain tear behind the eyelid as I consider this.   So I'm treasuring every single day we are still tight in our group of five, with everyone safely ensconced in the bubble of love Aven and I have carefully constructed.  

We have waterslided, swam, beached, and gardened this summer.  It's been fun and full!  

Mav made the summer ball team playing for the Aldergrove Dodgers, so many summer afternoons and evenings were spent at the ball field.

I have picked many, many, many cucumbers so far this summer!  I have put up around 17 jars of pickles so far, and I'll likely can 5 or so more.  Today we're attempting homemade pizza sauce with the tomatoes we've picked so far, although there are still a lot of green ones.  This year's garden has been successful beyond my wildest expectations!  The hot sun has made all our veggies and flowers thrive!  This year I mixed in a lot of flowers with the veggies, and I find that the flowers give me a lot of joy and I will not have another garden without them. 

We also spent our annual week up at Camp Squeah, which was a welcome break from cooking and cleaning!  It was a few days to just have fun and recharge with the kids while enjoying classic summer camp activities.