Sweet Summer Ending

Summer went by way too fast. We had tons of fun though.

And we spent as much time together as we possibly could.

What all did we do?

We went to bed late.

And slept in every day.

Visited many museums.

Watched magnificent movies.

Played with our favorite friends.

Made s'mores. And other delicious treats.

Swam like fish.

Watched entertaining shows at our local library.

We went to the zoo.

Rode wild rides at theme parks.

Spent precious time with family.

Stayed in hotels.

Watched stunning sunsets at the beach.

For our last hurrah,

we spent a week in San Francisco together as a family~which was priceless.

The kids were taken back by the massive bridges.

The sparkling ocean.

And especially by the fog which rolled in each night like dry ice flowing over a cauldron.

During our stay in San Francisco, it was quite cold for summer!

But a very welcome change from the scorching

Southern California heat we managed to escape.

We took many photos on our trip. I especially adore this snapshot of our family. A darling senior couple was nice enough to stop while they were taking a bike ride along the boardwalk and asked us if we wanted our picture taken. We handed our camera right over to them and it turned out perfect.

I love it. Everyone is actually looking at the camera, smiling and Megan is not sticking out her tongue~which is what she's usually doing. The girl is rarely serious for the camera. In fact, anytime one comes out and is pointed at Megan, it seems to be her "I'm going to be silly" cue. And I'm talking full-on, outta control silliness! Don't get me wrong, I love it. It's what makes us smile every single day. But sometimes it's nice to capture a family photo tongue free. And crazy silly free.

I love my family and love that we spent such a memorable summer together making fun memories. It was one of our best summers ever. There was never a dull moment. I don't think I ever heard the words "Mom, we're bored". Which had been my goal before summer ever started. Mission accomplished.

I can't wait for Summer 2011!

Until then it's...

Back to school.

Homework. Soccer. Piano.

And all the wonderful holidays I adore.

Sweet Fossil Finds....

On a recent trip to the mall,

I came across the Fossil Jewelry line at Macy's.

I had no idea Fossil made such adorable accessories!

However, I did know they made nice leather purses.

I've had a few in my time.

I couldn't help myself and ended up buying a silver bracelet,

which goes with absolutely everything.

So, I just might wear it everyday.

But, after looking at their website,

I don't think this is going to be the only

piece I ever buy. Or wear.

I love it all.

Here are some of my favorites~

Such cute little delicate charms.

Beautiful Butterflies.

Fabulously feminine.

Organic. Earthy.

Fossil also has a whole line of charming charms.

Like the "a little luck" one featured above.

Charm bracelets are fun!

I've had a couple of those too in my time.

Accessories always add that finishing touch.

And the finishing touches are what it's all about in fashion.

I think.

I'm no fashionista.

I just like jewelry.

Earrings. Bracelets. Necklaces.

Fossil jewelry was truly a sweet find.

I'm so happy I found it.

Aren't you?

Sweet Summery Flowers

I love flowers.

And planting flowers in my garden.

Their bright colors

put a smile on my face.

I'm feeling the need,

the urge,

to plant more.

I've come to the conclusion that my yard

could use a bit more color.

But these beauties...

I absolutely adore.

They get a lot of tender loving care.

Because I think if they died,

I would feel sad.

Sad that my little piece of heaven,

serenity

is gone.

And for that reason,

there will always be flowers in my garden.

Ideally,

I'd love to create an oasis.

A place where we can retreat to

and relax from our busy lives.

Colorful flowers make me

feel cheerful. Calm.

Happy.

And when I gaze at them

through my kitchen window

I smile.

Sweet Summer Merriment! Part I

Summer has officially been in session

ONE month!

Yikes!!!

That only leaves us

SIX MORE

weeks of summer.

I know. I know.

That's actually

a lot of time.

But so much to do.

So little time.

The last FOUR weeks

have been an absolute

BLAST!!

What exactly have we done?

Are you ready for this???

It's simply too much to share

all at once!!

Soooo...

I'm going to break it up.

Into parts.

Part I

Sweet Summer Merriment

Bluemel Family Style!!

We kicked our Bluemel Family Summer Vacation

off with a sweet trip

to the San Diego State Fair!

It was a full, fun day.

In fact,

I don't think we left

until it was almost midnight.

Because we made sure we did everything.

We rode many rides.

Watched a few shows~

Like The Purina Dog Challenge.

And cute little pigs racing around a track.

We paid a visit to all the Animals...

Rastafarian Sheep

And Huge Cows...

The girls went on a few pony rides...

And we got a sneak peak at a

six-foot pony.

I mean stallion.

We played games and won prizes.

Ate lots of delicious...

Fair Food.

Because you know.

You haven't been to the fair

unless you've eaten

fair food.

Yummy.

Bad for your heart.

And waistline kinds of foods.

But once a year,

I think it's okay.

to indulge.

It's all about the experience.

Right?

And wearing the kids out....

Eric, Megan & Katie LOVED

the San Diego State Fair.

It was truly a beautiful day.

A fantastically fun day.

And a perfect start to our

Summer.

Cherishing Sweet Life

If there is one thing in life

I truly cherish,

I'd have to say that it is my

family.

And especially each one of my

sweet CHILDREN.

I cherish the time we spend together.

The fun & playful times.

The special times.

The quiet times.

And I have found that

you can never dish out too many kisses.

Or give too many hugs.

And even better,

you can never get too many kisses.

Or get too many hugs.

Plenty of

hugs,

kisses

and

"I love you's"

are exchanged

everyday in our home.

With Eric

I always request

an

"Eric HUG"

daily.

Which are so sweet.

And never in short

supply.

Above Eric's bed is the quote,

"I Love You to the Moon and Back"

Which is true.

With Megan

I must hear these words,

"I love you mum mum"

countless times each day.

Along with dozens of

hugs and kisses which she shares

not only with me,

but with just about

everyone.

Katie-Kate

is my cuddle bug.

She and I cuddle together.

And kiss noses.

She leaves me love notes.

Which are

hanging from magnets

All over my fridge.

My favorite one reads,

"I wuv mom"!

Love notes are

left in lunches.

On beds.

Doors.

Sent as texts.

And stuck on bathroom

mirrors.

There certainly is an abundance

of love in our home.

And affection.

And for that, I am deeply

Grateful.

This past holiday weekend,

I learned of a childhood

friend's almost 10 year old boy

and pride and joy,

passing away in a tragic

boating accident.

{Read about this amazing family here: Harris Beach Bums}

This incident has

reminded me to

never take my loved

ones

for granted.

And the special

moments we share together.

I truly cherish the hugs.

The kisses.

The fun times.

The quiet times.

The love notes.

The "I love you's".

so much more now.

And most importantly,

I've been reminded

of how vital it is

to keep the one's you

love close around

you.

And when you

do, you will

forever

cherish

those sweet, tender moments

you share together~

Forever....and ever.