And just like that… summer is over.
Seriously, who approved this?
It feels like we were just celebrating the last day of school, making summer plans, buying pool floats we used exactly three times, and telling the kids, “We’re going to have SO much fun this summer!”
Fast-forward a few months, and suddenly we’re standing in the kitchen asking, “Does anyone know where all the snacks went?”
The kids are heading back to school, backpacks are being located (somehow always at the last possible minute), school supplies are being purchased, and everyone is pretending they’re excited about waking up before the sun again.
Meanwhile, parents everywhere are quietly celebrating that beautiful first morning when the house is finally… silent.
Don’t get me wrong—we love our kids.
But there is something magical about getting in the car, heading to Starbucks, ordering my favorite drink, and realizing I can actually enjoy it without someone saying:
“Mommy, no Starbees. Let’s go to Denny’s.”
Or:
“We’re bored!”
And, of course:
“Mom, let’s go play or go to the stores!”
Like they have money.
My broke best friends!
Because apparently, my Starbucks drink is just the opening act for a full day of activities.
But silently in my head, I’m thinking:
“I can now party like a rockstar.”
Of course, my version of partying these days probably involves a Starbucks drink, running errands without an audience, and being home by 8:30 p.m.
And then there’s fall.
The season of crisp mornings, colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything, football, apple cider, and pretending we’re totally okay with the fact that winter is waiting patiently around the corner.
Fall always feels like a fresh start. New school years, new routines, new goals—and perhaps a renewed commitment to actually use that gym membership we ignored all summer.
So as we say goodbye to long summer nights, flip-flops, vacations, and the beautiful chaos of having everyone home, let’s take a moment to appreciate it.
Because as much as we complain about the heat, the mess, the schedules, and the never-ending snack requests…
We’re probably going to miss it.
Eventually.
Maybe sometime around February.
Until then, bring on the pumpkins, sweaters, football, crunchy leaves, Starbucks drinks, and all things cozy.
Goodbye, summer. Thanks for the memories.
And fall… please be gentle with us.
We’re still recovering from summer.