Happy Tuesday! I am joining the Share Our Lives ladies, Jen, Joanne, Sarah, Dara, and Adrienne, a day late, but I am excited for the September prompt. This month we are sharing 5 things we like to do in each season.

I am trying to love fall. I really, really am. It’s just a little hard for me because it means the end of my very favorite season. Here are five things I like about fall:

• Routine – This isn’t necesarily fall-ish but we are settled into our school routine when fall comes around and routines are good for us.
• High school sports – I love a Friday night football game with all the friends and sense of community. I am very excited to watch Luke play high school soccer this year, too!
• Long sleeve shirts and shorts – This is one of my favorite outfits because it is warm but not too hot when the pool is closed. These are great days to be outside walking, reading, hanging out, and enjoying the weather!
• Holidays – I love Halloween in our neighborhood. There are a ton of kids and my kids have fun trick-or-treating, too! My mom has always loved Thanksgiving and I am beginning to see the appeal. It is starts with the BEST parade and has great snacks and drinks all day.
• Birthdays – We have a lot of birthdays to celebrate in the fall. Mine, Jeff’s, my dad’s, my sister’s, two brother-in-laws, my father-in-law, and my niece. There are quite a few opportunities for delicious cakes and family fun!

I enjoy some winter festivities, even if the weather isn’t my favorite.

• Christmas lights – Oh boy do I love all of the lights that go along with Christmas decorations. I love the lights on the trees, on the house, candles in the windows, lights in inflatables, and lights in my Christmas village.
• Snow – I do not love the cold weather to make snow, but I love a snow day or two and a few two hour delays. Snow days and two hour delays are my only chance to watch the Today show during the school year and I take advantage of that!
• Swimming – The boys swim all year long, but the majority of their swim meets are in the winter. It is so fun to cheer them on and see their hard work pay off. I also love that indoor swim meets are so warm when it’s chilly out there.
• Winter break – We are deep in that routine from fall and Christmas break comes at just the right time to rest and regroup. I like to take those days to do fun things, sleep in as needed, and reset for back to school in January.
• Reading – I love reading all year long, but the colder and darker days make for great reading. I read Christmas books in November and December and then usually sprinkle in some heavier books in January and February. By March, I am ready to read summer beach books to try to warm things up.

I always have high hopes for spring! It starts a little slow but never lets me down.

• Flowers – Even though the beginning of spring can be chilly, the first flowers start to bloom and add so much lovely color to the world. I plant flowers in pots on our porch, deck, and in planters out front.
• Golf – Jack’s high school golf season is in the spring. It makes for longer days but he’s so happy to be playing golf most days. And that makes me happy, too!
• Longer days – It’s a little too dark in the mornings, but it is so nice to go for a walk in the daylight after dinner or during the boys’ practices.
• Pedicure – I love when the weather gets warm enough to wear sandals regularly and I schedule that first pedicure of the season. I usually book the long massage pedicure and enjoy every minute of it. I love getting a bright pink polish to welcome in the warm weather.
• Birthdays – The boys’ birthdays are both in the spring and Easter is typically between their birthdays. It makes for 19 days of fun celebrating!

Five? We’re expected to stick to five things we like to do in summer?? Nope! I am going to list as many as I want from my favorite season!

• Going to the pool
• Going to the beach
• Staying up a little later and sleeping in a little later
• Exercising outside
• Reading near water (pool or ocean)
• Doing summer swim team (coaching or watching)
• Grilling dinner
• Eating crabs
• Going to outdoor concerts
• Eating veggies and fruits fresh from the farm
• Making spontaneous plans and having more time to do whatever comes up
• All-dayers at the pool

I wasn’t sure how I was going to choose my five, but the ideas just started flowing when I started typing. As much as summer is my absolute favorite, I am happy to live in a place that has all four seasons. I wouldn’t mind if our winter was a little shorter or warmer, but I’m willing to trade that to live near our parents. I love our community and the friends we’ve made in the 12 years we’ve lived here. Have a great day full of sunshine and books!