Sad to See Summer Go

We've been having a blast this summer. Fortunately, the river finally dropped below flood stage at the end of August so that Gracie could enjoy the boat rides and beach time that I had been telling her about all summer. She loves to go on Grandpa's boat! We're outside whenever we get the chance. Everyday after school, we walk to one of the 5 parks near our house. It's taken a couple months, but she's mastered blowing bubbles and picking up sticks in the backyard. She tests us every now and then, but she's really becoming quite a polite little girl, saying thank you, please and excuse me on a regular basis. Her favorite expressions right now are one more time, one more hug or one more kiss. She likes to sing Happy Birthday and Jason Mraz's I'm Yours (there's a Sesame Street version). We're having so much fun that we're trying to stretch summer out as long as we can. Here are a few shots of my favorite people.