goodbye summer

I know, I know - its not even September yet, however, tonight marks the last night of my summer vacation for this year. Thanks to my accrual of vacation while I was on maternity leave last year, I had a few extra weeks I could take advantage of this year. As a result, over the course of the summer, I've taken almost 6 weeks off. It has been wonderful!

Simply having the time to spend with Lady M is perfect. My little girl is changing and growing so much each day so I will gladly soak up every extra minute with her I can find. Since the beginning of July we have visited the whales at Marineland, and ridden on a tractor at Springridge Farm. We have soaked up rays at the beach, spent a week in northern Ontario, watched airplanes and ridden in boats, on a train and a merry-go-round. Its been a tremendous summer.

This summer has been so different from last. Last year, my little lady was only 8-9 months old; crawling, on the verge of walking, and less aware of her surroundings. We had lots of adventures then, but this summer has been an entirely different ride. Watching her face light up with each new experience and hearing the sentences she strings together to describe her adventures has enhanced every experience for me. This summer we have spent time singing songs, reading books, chatting and laughing - what more could a mum ask for?

So in the morning I'll return to my office, with no vacation in sight until Christmas, but every family memory we've made this summer will make slipping back into my professional life just a little easier.