10 Ways I Know That Summer Is Here...{Or, Project 52 ~ Water}

1.  My children are always wet.
All the time.  Sometimes it's the pool.  Sometimes it's the rain.  Sometimes it's the garden hose.  Sometimes I'm not sure why and it unsettles me so.

2.  There's basil growing on my deck.
Which is not so much a sign of summer as it is a testament to my unfailing optimism that I can grow herbs.
(no matter what anyone says)
(and by 'anyone', I mean the herbs)
(which, I'm not sure, but I think laugh and point whenever I walk by them)

3.  We've stopped eating at the table.
And the preparation of every meal begins with
"Paper plates tonight?"

4.  We built a fire pit in the backyard.
To bring that wonderful, beachy campfire experience home so we can roast marshmallows and eat S'mores all summer long.

5.  We have a fire pit in our backyard that we haven't yet built a fire in.
Because we're flopped on the couch at 7:00 with our paper plates, Wheel of Fortune, and Netflix streaming.
(Hello?  House of Cards?)
(It's like West Wing)
(on steroids)

6.  Bedtime is no longer about sight words and glasses of water and CD stories and negotiations and 14 times up and down the bunk bed ladder culminating in a process that takes longer than they'll actually be asleep.
It's more of me lifting my head off the couch, calling to them that it's time to turn off whatever Good Luck Charlie episode they're watching and hit the sheets.
(and don't look at the TV when you walk by 'cause we're watching our show and it's not for kids)

7.  My house is a complete mess.
I've decided not to care because children are here which means no matter how fast I clean, it'll be a pit sty again in 5 minutes so what's the point?
If you need me, I'll be on my basil-smelling deck with some wine and Dan Brown.
(and an umbrella)
(I mean, we are in the northwest)

8.  I feel absolutely ZERO sense of urgency to get anything done.
I no longer have a limited amount of time to work in peace and quiet before the children get home
(I won't know peace and quiet for another two months and four days)
(unless Good Luck Charlie is on)
so I don't have to rush around getting things done and I can Facebook all day.
(there's just a whole lot a' nothin' goin' on there, you know?)

9.  I have big plans...
...to read the 27 books I have on my nightstand
...to make fresh lemonade every week
...to go swimming and to the park and to the zoo and on picnics and out and about so we don't just sit around all summer Facebooking
...to paint my bedroom
...to paint my food pantry
...to grow sunflowers
...to make raspberry jam
...to take my daughter to Girl Scout Wilderness Camp

10.  I will not be staying at Girl Scout Wilderness Camp.
Because that would kill me.

Wherever you are, I hope you have a great summer!