Summer is already waning. You can tell because the cicadas are now loud enough to be heard inside, with all the windows shut. I’m tempted to say that I’m not really sure where this summer has gone, but then I look around me and am reminded of the million little moments that have sealed themselves in my heart over the course of these hot days.

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Moments like Jude realizing that his big brother needed help navigating his collar buttons due to his broken arm (yes, again), and stepping in without missing a beat.

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Moments like Alice discovering her tongue, and her exersaucer, and her laugh, and everything else this great big world has to dazzle her with.

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Moments like Phin drawing yet another Buzz Lightyear in yet another notebook. Gosh, it’s easy to keep this kid happy.

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Moments like swim lesson victories.

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Moments like Christopher being asked to play with one of the vintage teams in the park league Mary Hannah helps support in her role as a seasonal ranger.

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Moments like watching my husband bring down a huge section of a dead tree in possibly the most Tennessee way possible.

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Moments like John Mark and Birdie joining me in making batches of blueberry syrup and strawberry preserves when our main freezer went on the fritz and so much of our preserved goodies needed rescuing and repurposing.

The hours are busy. The days are full. I find myself realizing that summer is in its final inning. I think I’m ready for it to make way for fall, but I’m not sure. How about you?