that summer magic...

i’ve always loved summer. i’ve always reminisced and been nostalgic for the summers that included long drives with my best friend blasting music, the beach bonfires, long days laying lazily on the beach and just slowing down a bit.

those rose colored glasses are incredible, but all of a sudden, this summer is just brimming over with activity, running after a sweet baby girl who is exploring every corner of the world that she can. every morning, i swear we’re going to be back to our routine, back to our “normal” and every week, i realize what a fleeting goal that was, but in the best way possible.

we’ve spent weekends away, visiting family and friends, going to our favorite places. we’ve spent weekends home, bopping to and from the farmers market, getting breakfast, walking to get coffee and play on the playground. we’ve spontaneously bailed on our normal nights making dinner to grab a bite at happy hour with maya and coco.

for now, i can say that i’ve never been happier to run around with this crazy little crew, and to celebrate all of the things that summer holds. the most special moments have been the giggles that maya lets slip when she’s trying something new, the magic of seeing her splash around the pool believing its the greatest thing in the world, and learning to play with her friends. she is just so excited about all of the little and big things we’ve been able to do, with eyes wide and excited, and full of wonder, believing that summer is just magic.

seeing summer through her eyes just reinvigorates the perfect summer feeling that i’ve always felt. that sticky sweet summer air, the music of the cicadas at night or a storm rolling in, the quiet morning before everyone is awake, when the sun is just barely peaking through the trees, and that magic of just being around the people you love and feeling slightly like you’re on vacation, even if you aren’t.

i’ve been present with all of my family and loved ones, soaking up all of the time that i can with my best friends, and just all of the little moments that make up my favorite time of year has made this the most magical summer.

being a mom has been the most special, incredible adventure. every day i soak in her sense of wonder and excitement, and just stop still in my tracks to feel that same joy and wonder, and what better time than summer, that last little plunge into the ocean, one last late night listening to the crickets and seeking out the lightning bugs, that last little burst of magic.