Summer!

I have been looking forward to this summer with great anticipation. The other night I was talking about it with Evan, commenting on how it's been a long time since a summer has looked so good. Then we figured out why. These are the reasons:

1. I'm not pregnant or caring for a newborn (summers 2000, 2003, 2004, 2007).

2. I'm not recovering from two miscarriages (2001).

3. I'm not moving into a new house with three little ones in tow (2005).

4. I'm not trying to keep a needy toddler entertained 24/7 while feeling sick (2002).

So pretty much since 1999--which, by the way, was the best summer ever, my first with Evan--summers have held happy things but have been overshadowed by other challenges. This summer looks wonderfully full of playdates with friends, day trips to fun places, the Downeaster campout in Maine, a ladies' retreat this weekend, an AIR-CONDITIONED HOUSE, getting to know our new neighbors, NO SCHOOL . . . you get the picture. :-)