Summer.

Just the thought makes me think of swinging in the hot backyard and quickly coming inside for a tall glass of Coke. And kickball on the cul-de-sac. And the ice cream man. Summer has changed since I was a child, but it has not become less meaningful.

We only have two submissions this week, but I think both capture the joy and sweetness of summer. Head on over to A Picturesque Life and enjoy Bethany's post about her seemingly "love-hate" relationship with summer. A snippet:

My mostest favoritest season of all is still summer. To this day, I can’t quite figure it out. It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s miserable….but I love it.

I also muse on the preciousness of summer and my time with my family in my post entitled "Summertime:"

Summer to me is many things, but most importantly, it is the time to reconnect with family and rejuvenate after a season of hard work.

So grab an ice cold Coke (or sweet tea if you prefer) and enjoy!

Summer to me is many things, but most importantly, it is the time to reconnect with family and rejuvenate after a season of hard work.

One of the highlights of my year is the "tour of the Midwest" with my parents and siblings every summer. Now that I live far from home, I cherish this vacation more than ever. This year, we spent two weeks visiting Indianapolis, Northern Michigan, and Chicago. The first few days I spent with my grandparents in Indy, where my grandmother, an amazing seamstress, taught me some sewing tips. It was wonderful to get to spend time with them, since I only see them once a year. Before we left Indy, we had a bridal shower for my sister, who is getting married in 9 days! Here is a picture with me and my sister, Lauren, at Julie's bridal shower.


After the shower, we headed to Julie's place to see the apartment and meet her puppy. Here's the bride-to-be with her amazingly cute puppy, Holden!


After we left Indiana, we headed north to Traverse City, where we spend a week relaxing and seeing the sights. I always savor this time up north, and the chance to spend time with my parents and siblings. This year, it was just Lauren who could go, but it was still wonderful nonetheless. One of my favorite activities in Michigan is touring Mackinac Island, which is located in between the lower and upper peninsulas of Michigan. Here's my dad and me on the island with Lake Huron in the background.



Not only do I love Michigan for the chance to see family, but it is wonderful to take a break from work and refresh in the beautiful north. I got the opportunity to read and reflect much more than usual, even though we were busy with activities.

After leaving Michigan, we headed to Chicago to see the sights of this great city. We also got to enjoy some amazing food while we were there. Here's my mom one day at dinner.


As much as I enjoy seeing the sights around the Midwest, summer would not be complete without seeing my family.

I'm finally back from my wonderful vacation! I'll be posting about that (with pictures!) shortly. I would have had them up last night, but I had a horrific migraine that knocked me out all evening. If these don't subside, I'm going to have to head to the doctor. Please pray that they I don't have another anytime soon!

Also, I will be hosting the Carnival of Beauty this week. I'm very excited to present "The Beauty of Summer." Please have all submissions to me by 9 p.m. central time today, so I can be sure to have the Carnival post up for all the early birds on Friday morning! Thanks so much!