The Swing Set Summer

While every summer before this is remembered as something like "Staycation IV" or "Bahamas Blast", I'll always remember the Summer of 2013 as "The Swing Set Summer". 

This was a staycation year. We do a big trip every other year. In many ways it was similar to Staycation I, II, III, IV, etc. (Much better than Rocky IV). Here are some of the highlights: 

• First movie at the Boulevard Drive-In (Monster's University). What a great time. Perfect summer night at a circa 1960 vintage drive-in. 
• Cardinals vs. Royals Game: Yes we won. 
• Worlds of Fun! It actually was a lot of fun this time. Love them $14.99 refillable cups and funnel cakes. The girls love roller coasters. Lisa loved the Zulu. Dad is old. Patriot scary. 
• S'mores galore
• Camping (See recent post)
• St. Louis Family Trip: Zoo, Crazy Magic House day, Manchester Pool, Gus vs. The Raccoon
• Soccer, Youthfront, Wolf Creek Art Camps
• Family golf tournament
• Golf Ball Hunting/Selling
• Lawnmowing Business
• Farmer's Market in the City Market

But in between all of the activities, the entire neighborhood found our backyard swing set and it became the sandlot of the summer. Each night, 10 to 15 kids were drawn to the swing set like moths to a flame to play outside. I-pads, pods, phones and I'm bored were left inside to go be kids and play games that we played as kids. 

Cops and Robbers. Red Rover. Swing for the Stars. Flashlight Tag. Truth or Dare. Kickball. Dodgeball. All the kids from age 4 to 12 had a great time playing together while the parents hung out and watched the reflections of our youth unfold with our children. 

I'll miss this summer probably more than others as it's the last time Sydney won't be a teenager plus. I'm so proud of her and thankful that she's growing up with a good head on her shoulders. Aubrey, Sydney and Hadley all worked hard this summer, moving yards, mowing yards, babysitting and chores. While playing hard they still made time to work hard. My favorite motto. Of course, Bubbey Ann was just as sassy and cute as always. It was awesome how her older sisters invited her to be part of the gang. She kept up just fine. Her best line of the summer was, "Mommy, do I know how to play soccer?" Lisa said, "No". That's what I thought, said Carley. 

Of course, the Swing Set Summer was followed closely behind by "The P.E.P. aka Patio Extension Party. There still is a debate about whether the swing set brought the neighborhood together or the extension of our 12 x 12 patio. 

Either way, it was a summer we'll all remember. Hope we can do it again real soon. 

If you were part of The Swing Set Summer, please read, share and leave a comment or memory of your own.