Well now that it is near the end of August, I am reflecting back on the summer.  I cannot believe how fast it went.  I asked Mike where the summer went.  He said, "Blane."  It is true; Blane kept me hopping every minute.  He is a busy boy! 

The farmer's market also took a lot of time, too much time.  I'm glad we did it, but I don't know if we will do it again.  We enjoyed meeting people, being with our friends, and especially the day the whole family got to sing and play music. 

The garden also took a lot of time.  I canned and froze a lot, which was a goal for the summer.  I enjoyed it.  The kids also helped.  We had a big beet day and tomato day.  It goes faster and is more fun when we all work together.  They also helped with Blane many many times, while I was canning and working in the garden.  While the kids were at camp, Blane helped me in the garden.  I gave him tomatoes, and he put them in the box.  He is also a wonderful chicken helper.  He loves to help and be a part of everything.

I don't want the summer to end, but it has.  We started school this week.  The extra mixes from the market are in the pantry.  The potatoes are dug, although the rest of the garden is going strong.  The good part is, the fun doesn't have to end.  Tonight we roasted apples on the fire outside.  The kids wrestled with Mike in the lawn, and told stories when we came in and ate scones.  Yesterday, Elena and I climbed into the tree house and read a chapter in her book, Ten Girls who Changed the World.  Mike took the boys along to town.  School has started, but I don't have to say good-bye to my kids!  Can you believe it?  I get to stay home and be with them everyday!