So Far Summer's Sweetest

Edited: A link has been added for BD to explain a "keyhole blouse" (a woman's blouse with a small hole cut out of the neckline. Can be in the front or the back of the blouse.) It's my way of helping out your research so it doesn't "consume the rest of your summer." (I figure watching those home movies with the family is far more important stuff.) But I love your pluck to satisfy the ole' curiosity. I think we have that in common. I'm an engineer's daughter. And you are a lot of fun! :-)

A boy in a dripping wet swimsuit standing the exact same height as his dog on two legs welcoming him out of the water with a hug.

A girl with that same dog running behind her on the scooter.

A meal with my family in the middle of the day.

Late night rented movies while folding the laundry.

Much prayed for and seemingly respectful sweet little friends moving in across the street!

Deep conversation with my daughter while laying on the driveway in the rain watching lightning in every direction.

My dad initiating calling me without my mom just to say "Hi." Especially since I was too disorganized to realize Father's Day was approaching in time to send him anything. He is very forgiving and wouldn't even mention it.

Our backyard swimming pool. Yes, getting it was a mess but it's been a lifesaver for all I have to get done!

The kids laughing hysterically together and genuinely enjoying fellowship after a few months of growing tired of each other.

A back roads evening drive, windows down, music up, while storm clouds swirl and the air turns as cool as fall. (It's usually in the nineties here this time of year!)

Running errands in my green satin keyhole blouse and white Bermuda shorts. Feeling confident for the first time in weeks without my face patches. Yay! (I will continue to have to take time consuming precautions and treat the infection for 2-3 more months. I'm just glad to feel girly again for a day. :-) )

Kids funny ideas - like Popsicles made of pickle juice, tea or Tabasco sauce.

Our very first garden grown red ripe tomatoes, sans salmonella.

Laughing until our sides split after a particularly good hit on the pizza parlor's Whack-a-Mole, which caused the machine to repeat the same phrase for 1o minutes before an employee unplugged it from the wall: "Hit the pad to win a prize.....hit the pad to win a prize......hit the pad to win a prize.....hit the......" You get the picture.

A thousand fireflies over the ridge over the city lights.....Gorgeous!

An e-mail from a friend I haven't talked to in over a year.

Early season fireworks every evening at dusk.

Nixing the rules to cuddle on the couch watching "Jon & Kate Plus 8" with my youngest son past bedtime. He "can't get tired" because he's been sleeping in too late in the mornings.

My hubby's new habit of calling mid-day just to say "I love you."

A friend consistently e-mailing me "dumb blonde jokes" to tease me for not spending enough time with her.

My living room. It's looking great - finally.

Working so hard and being so exhausted that I give myself permission to blog three times in 24 hours. My body needs the break. It will no longer go.