the saturday of summer

July.

Or, as I like to call it, the Saturday of Summer. It’s the month our family leans into summer full force.

This, of course, makes June the Friday of Summer. The kids are fresh out of school for the summer, but there are a few lingering activities. Namely, cheer camp for our Varsity cheerleader (and our littlest). We don’t get to fully embrace summer in June because we still have obligations. Therefore, it is the Friday of Summer. Exciting, fun, and with so much to look forward to once it’s over.

In walks July with the confidence and popularity of a sommelier with a bottle of Italian Sangiovese (a good Bordeaux is also acceptable). July is freedom. July is the ONE month of the entire year when there are no obligations. There are no sports. There are no activities.

There are no rules.

July is freedom personified, and we make the most of it. This year, July brought with it four vacations, a long weekend of fun in the sun with our favorites celebrating the Fourth of July, and so many amazing family memories. It was one for the books.

And now it’s almost over. In less than 48 hours, we will find ourselves waking on the first day of August. The Sunday of Summer. The least important month of the year, yet it’s also the month filled with the most anticipation.

August is hot.

August is miserable.

August is, essentially, unbearable.

But August brings with it the anticipation of another season of Friday Night Lights watching our oldest daughter cheer. It brings the start of college football – Go Gators! – the beginning of a new school year. Most importantly, it brings with it the anticipation of the ‘ber months. September is right around the corner. The most wonderful, magical, beautiful time of year is upon us – and there is nothing quite like the feeling of excitement felt during the month of August despite its lack of anything exceptional.

Which brings me back to July.

As we embark upon the final hours of the Saturday night of summer, my heart is full. We spent so much time together this month. We had so much family time this month, and I am filled with gratitude thinking about the fun we had. Even in the midst of the chaos – frustrating flight delays both into and out of Washington DC, a new roof being put on our home and the subsequent construction to replace the lanai ceiling and master bathroom ceiling after the roofers were interrupted by the worst storm in recent memory…while also navigating contractors between vacations – the memories are irreplaceable.

I don’t know what I did in a past life to deserve this life, but I am so thankful for it. These four exceptional kids who make us laugh, who we have so much fun with. This man, who has been by my side since I was 18, who has grown with me and somehow manages to make me feel like he still thinks I’m as beautiful as he did 24 years ago.

July, you might be ending. Summer might be in its final hours, but I’ll hold you especially close to my heart for the rest of my life. You were so good to me.