The Last Days of Summer....

The last days of summer are slowly slipping away. 

Much slower than I expected, actually. 

These first days back to school and lessons and routine have been less chaotic than usual and, for that, we are all grateful.

The weather is still warm but the nights are cool and, occasionally, a crisp breeze catches me by surprise...

My favorite time of year is upon us. 

Here is a list of all the things making me extra happy, as we move into the final months of 2012:

• The sounds of my children, calling out to each other in the morning
• Sitting by the lake, under a full moon
• Coming home after a long trip
• Hugs from very wet babies, as the emerge from the ocean or last day at the pool
• Snuggling into bed, while a cold wind blows in the window and over us
• Watching the rain pour down, from our sunroom...doors wide open, breathing it all in
• Music playing in the background
• Watching my daughter write her name for the first time
• The anticipation of change and *new things* that comes every year at this time
• Standing in my kitchen, barefoot and sipping tea, making dinner for my family
• Listening to Pippa sing along to Taylor Swift songs
• Apple season!
• Evening bike rides
• Iced herbal tea
• Falling back into a routine
• Pulling out an old book and finding a favorite old picture, tucked in the pages
• My new iPhone
• Date night, thanks to my sister
• Working at a job I love
• Un-put-down-able books
• Knowing I'll see my parents soon!

What's making YOU extra happy this season?