I say this every year right around this time. Where has the summer gone?

It’s not that this season is any shorter than the others, it’s just that there’s a definite start–last day of school and finish line in the sand when the bell rings again that first week in September.

I have spent some of my summer complaining on these posts about silly things my kids have done to frustrate, embarrass or keep me awake at night but am once again reminded, this summer, like every summer before it has passed far too quickly and in a snap, will be gone before I know it so I’m thankful for these posts and the memories I can scan during the bitter, bone chilling winter.

Here’s what I can think back on and remember fondly.

My three kids cutting their hair. A simple outing everyone does but this year the haircuts were a reflection of their character more than anything.

My once very red-headed child almost ten years old has chopped her beautiful, red curls into a sporty, funky, “rockin'” short bob and walks with confidence, tucking it behind her ears to show all of her freckles, a face she used to cover with long, red curls. Her hair has been cut but she’s grown in every sense this summer and I couldn’t be more proud.

Ellie (age 7) asked for no hair to be cut at all but to have it styled in a high pony-tail. She’s happy in her own skin and doesn’t see any need for change.

Chloe (age 3) asked to cut her hair to look like Rapunzel.

This summer our kids have become more comfortable in the pool. Hanna and Ellie are now doing front flips, Chloe is still wearing her floatie dolphins but is now jumping off the edge, the stairs, the diving rock, on top of people, completely fearless.

I no longer wake up in the night looking outside wondering if I locked the gate or if someone has slipped under the pool cover. Okay that’s a lie. I do still wake up and do those things but it’s less frequently than last year at this time.

Our kids spent the first week of their summer vacation searching for beach glass at their Grandparents cottage. Not a day goes by where they don’t count the pieces (482 in total, just enough to fill one shot glass or one heaping tablespoon. I said heaping)

Chloe our three year old has become more independent than ever. Her vocabulary continues to surprise, amaze and test the boundaries of what Child Services would consider acceptable behaviour.

This morning when I asked her what she would like to eat with her fruit she replied, “Nothing else, Geez!”

When I asked her, “What did you just say?” She knew she was caught in something bigger than she knew how to get out of. She quickly said, “I said ‘cheese’……like a camera?!”

How could I challenge something so believable? Also, it was hard not to laugh.

The best moment this summer happened for me last night.

Our family sat down to watch a movie. We made chocolate, banana milkshakes, we turned off the lights, set up the bean bag chairs, relaxed, giggled and enjoyed a few quiet moments to celebrate the nearing end of another great season.

At the end of the movie, Chloe asked if I would carry her upside down to brush her teeth.

Of course.

Chloe: I love you Mom. We all do.

That should be enough to get me through the winter.