Proof

     They call Labor Day the "Unofficial End of Summer".  I was waiting with baited breath for the day when summer ended and took with it the heat and sunshine.  Unfortunately for me, Labor Day came and went and then the temperatures went up.  I am looking into making Labor day the "Official" Last Day of Summer in hopes that will change the universe's weather pattern going forward.  So far though, no luck.

Tan lines!

     As predicted, I struggled with my outdoor adventure plan for the hottest months of the year.  I have never loved the heat and I wondered how I was going to get myself outside every week now that I said I would.  So to all of you that said I couldn't do it and to all of you that said I wouldn't do it, I have proof.  I have proof that I have not only gone outside this summer but I have gone outside a lot.  My friends, I have tan lines.  I have flip flop lines on my feet and caramel colored knees.  You don't get those from staying in the ice cold awesomeness of the indoors!  Tan lines are hard earned.  I like to think of them as battle scars. As further proof, I have noticed highlights in my hair.  It is possible they are just grays, but I am calling them highlights.
     Don't get me wrong.  There were absolutely some magical outdoor moments this summer.  There were trips to the Lake House and a fantastic birthday party.  There was sitting on a restaurant's deck for hours while I caught up with a friend I hadn't seen in six years.  There was the beginning of a new cheer season for Ginger and a wonderful day with my husband and three youngest children at the county fair.  Through it all I learned a lot.  I learned that I probably will never learn to love sunshine.  I learned that sunscreen really works if you actually remember to put it on.  I also learned that my kids want me outside with them because they want to share something they love with me.  Most importantly I learned that that is reason enough to get out there.