We settled down to our summer routine after coming back from Rhode Island near mid July. Before our summer trip, we had quite enjoyed being together at home all day every day after almost nine months of the boys’ school routine and my first semester of teaching. The beginning of summer was thus exciting and went by fast in a blur. While in Rhode Island, we had a lot of fun hanging around the bay in Portsmouth, exploring Newport and attending the Bristol Fourth of July Parade, the oldest one in the country dating back to 1785. But the recounting of this summer adventure to the Northeast and New England will have to wait until another time.

Our holiday cactus

This summer was unusually long for us not only because of the prolonged summer heat in Kentucky but also due to James’ extended summer break from school. Since a large part of James’ school building has been under construction, the Campbellsville school district delayed the start of this school year as much as they could. In previous years, James would start school before or around the middle of August, but his first school day this year was right before the beginning of September. Although admitting aloud, when asked, that staying home with Mom throughout the long summer was becoming boring to him, James declared that he would still rather stay home than go to school because “home is the most comfortable and coziest place.”

“Home is the most comfortable and coziest place”

Just like Jacob used to do at his age, James loves playing with his action figures near his parents in the living room. He also likes to read his books and use his laptop in the fireside armchair. Consequently, by the end of the summer break, our living room was increasingly looking a lot like James’ own domain. David and I have tried a few times in the past to keep the living room free of clutter and especially of kids’ items (toys and books, etc.). However, we always failed as our kids always managed to expand their territories beyond their rooms into the living room. What could we do but to admit defeat while still trying to minimize the clutter as much as feasible?

Dry cut lavender from our summer garden

James’ summer routine was quite sweet. He would play his video games for one hour after waking up. Then he would rest or practice throwing and catching his football on the large rug next to the front door. Breakfast was next. After breakfast, James would read his fiction books while savoring his caramel candies. Caramel candy is one of James’ favorite sweet treats. After finishing his caramel candy of the day, he would alternate between watching funny videos on Youtube on his laptop and reading non-fiction books until lunchtime. After lunchtime, James would play his video games for an hour before playing again with the football or with his action figures. Then he would read his fiction books some more while enjoying ice cream until David came home from work. After David had a light snack followed by a shower, all 5 of us, Liam included, would gather on the couches to watch an episode of Outer Limits, Jacob’s most recent favorite TV series. In that rhythm, our summer days went by until Jacob moved into Gatton Academy.

Summer is also the time of year when we enjoy growing herbs and flowers. Our herbs and chili plants are usually cultivated in pots on the back porch. For our front porch garden this year, we grew lavender, autumn red sage, begonia, lantana, vinca and petunia. We planted lavender and autumn red sage in the ground in front of the climbing rose and put everything else in pots.

We are now in the process of preparing for the Fall look of our front porch. Have fun planning a garden!