Things I’ve Loved About This Summer…

So much as happened so far – but to share a few photos about things that I have loved about this summer so far…

Eating beignets and drinking hot chocolate in New Orleans

Coming home to my favorite flowers after a long day from work.

Sushi and wine with a friend for Happy Hour

Kayaking to whereever I want to go.

Washington DC from the Potomac River on a gorgeous summer day

Pool Party!

What a heatwave we’re having here in DC. It’s been hot and humid… with the sun shining bright… with thunderstorms rolling in… with the humidity sticking to you like white on rice.

But what a better way to have fun then have a pool party!

This past weekend I took my niece to my friend Linda’s pool party – and what a great way to cool off from the heat.

I mostly enjoyed taking pictures of my niece enjoying the pool. At 5 years told, she loves nothing more than being at the pool and learning how to swim. She’s discovering her adventurous side and I was able to capture those moments!

There was also some bubble blowing as well.

Enjoy the pictures!

Ready to swim!

Making the leap...

Jump!

Big jump!

Big splash!

Bubble time!

Summer is here….

So – while I’ve been missing in action and been delayed from posting pictures – I’ll write out quick post on my favorite summer things!

Summer is here – while not THE favorite season of mine – that is reserved for Spring and Fall – I still love it. And why do I love summer? Here are a few reasons:

• Summer dresses…who doesn’t love them?
• Ice cream/Gelato – when it’s hot outside and you need to cool down – Ice Cream or Gelato is always the best.
• Fairs/Festivals – Funnel Cake, Cotton Candy, Carnival Rides, Lemonade…. need I say more?
• Picnics – hmmm… I seem to have a food theme here – but I love picnics – eating great BBQ – being outside to enjoy the weather.
• Another food related item – Dinners with my family on the back porch – I love Saturday/Sunday dinners with my family in the summer when we grill out and then eat it on the back porch while my niece and nephews run around, music is playing and we’re all enjoying our wine/beer and having great conversation.
• Outdoor concerts – live music is just the best.
• Bike rides – although it can be super hot – riding a bike and having the wind blow in your face is great.
• Driving with the windows down – I rarely drive with the AC on (although the AC in my car isn’t working currently) – I would still rather have the windows down and sunroof up. I used to have a convertible and I miss driving that car around. Oh – and driving with the windows down and music blasting!
• The Beach!!! I don’t get to go to the beach as often but I love it. What’s not to love about sand and surf?
• The blooming of Peonies and Hydrangeas. Two of my absolute favorite flowers and they come out in the summer time!
• LONG DAYS! I love how the sun stays out so much later! When I walk out of work and there is still daylight – it makes me happy.
• Thunderstorms (when I’m inside) – that are so strong that you hear the rain hitting the window panes and the roof. And having thunder be so loud that it makes you jump. And strong summer rain that makes you want to stay inside, stay in bed and read a good book.

Alright… so those are a few of my favorite things in the summer time. However, there are a few things that I dislike in the summer time – it’s not a long list but there’s still a few things.

• Mosquitoes – I get bit up really badly. I mean, I seriously get eaten alive by mosquitoes. OFF is my best friend in the summer time. Because if I don’t have it on -then I’ll have 30 mosquito bites by night’s end and I’ll be miserable for days on end.
• Humidity – humidity in the DC area is awful. With the heat and the humidity there are some days you’d rather be inside than outside.
• And… those are the only things I can think about that I don’t like about summer right now.

Can I ask what a few of your favorite things are for the summer? And what do you dislike?