Friday, July 25, 2008

beating the heat

Ah, summertime-- the time of year when temperatures soar to over 100 degrees and leaving your air-conditioned house is such a big deal that you actually debate whether those groceries are a true necessity or not. About this point in the Bakersfield summers, when it feels like it's been hot outside for ever, I have to begin to remind myself of all the things there are to look forward to come cooler weather. That cooler weather is only around the corner, after all. The summer is, for the most part, flying by, and before too long I will be once again enjoying my jeans and sweaters... cups of hot tea and cocoa in the evening... cool, gray days of cloudiness and refreshing rain... long walks in pleasant temperatures and breezes... steaming-hot yummy soups for dinner... a clear view of the beautiful mountains which surround us... nice big blankets on our beds... the kids playing outside anytime they want, without roasting... actually ordering a HOT drink at Starbucks and enjoying it cozily with a friend... and so many other things that have become but a distant memory in this unwavering summer heat.

Meanwhile, we have managed to find some activities that help to keep us cool and pass the time. This past Sunday afternoon, we did this:


.... for at least a couple hours. Of course, this picture was after I got up, but trust me, I was right in there amongst all those pillows, snoozing away for quite some time. It was glorious.

There's been lots of running through sprinklers in the backyard, along with some dancing thrown in by Miss Emma.

Thoroughly wet and enjoying herself very much, here is fairy Annabelle and her dinosaur sidekick. Rawr.After our kitty-cat popped our last pool (a nice inflatable one), we finally went to the store and got a replacement-- one that does NOT contain air. The sprinklers are great fun, but when all is said and done, nothing is cooler or more fun than some swimming. As you can see, Emma LOVES it.Such cute swimming sisters. They could spend hours in that pool... and they sometimes do! Mommy is quite happy about this. :)


So, you see, summer is bearable after all! It's not my favorite season, but each time of year has its fun and blessings. I'm learning that, even while I look forward so much to the coming of fall.

Ah, October....

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh yes, I love our pool that cannot pop! Actually after the kids clean their rooms this afternoon I told them they could go swim in it... which I love because then I can get some things done too!! (Any tricks you have for getting Emma and Annabelle to clean THEIR rooms?? It's a struggle with my kids)
I'm looking forward to cooler weather too, even rainy grey days sound good at this point!!

Lisa said...

This post might just inspire me to put on my preggo swim suit and head down the street to the pool. That water looks so refreshing.

sarah marie p said...

Aww! The girlies are so cute- as usual! That water DOES look refreshing! And the couch looks so relaxing and comfy! Oohh... all your talk of fall is making me wish it would hurry up! And I understand your pain of Bakersfield since I'm going through a Fresno summer! I swear, Fresno and Bakersfield are like cousins. Hee.

Megan said...

You know, you know how to make ANYthing positive girl. Your girls are absolutely darling in their suits, and I love that you took a nap right there in the midst of them on the couch. OHhhhh....boy does that fall weather sound AMAZING. Sitting on the couch with a blanket. Mmmm...

Sunny said...

I'm with you, I cannot wait for it to start cooling down. Thankfully we're at the end of July already and have hope for cooler weather in a few more months. The heat here is incredible. I'm glad you and your girls find ways to keep cool and enjoy the summer together!

Lift Up Your Hearts said...

I do not love the cold weather, so your post was a huge encouragement to me - those are some pretty appealing points you made! Love the swimming pics - where did you get that pool?

bandofbrothers said...

Does Annabelle really play with a dinosaur??? Too cute!That water looks soooo inviting.

Unknown said...

As we drove into our little valley on our way home tonight we saw all these wonderful clouds climbing over the mountains I was thoroughly missing the cool weather and started looking forward to fall. It's so easy to wish summer away but pretty soon it will be January and we are going to be wishing quite the opposite. Love the pictures of the girls! that first one looks so cuddly!

anna joy said...

k i thought i was in love with summertime but you just made me crave fall!! this year has been so amazing, i just love soaking up every single day and season God gives. wow wwoow. glad you are too :)