Summer is over.

I know summer doesn't officially end until the 21st of September, but who are we trying to fool?  Labor day is when summer ends.  The pools close, the nights are cold, and public school is in session.  Because of that I spent most of Monday rather depressed.  We had a wonderful weekend at the campground for Labor day and on Monday as everyone slowly packed up and left for real life, I began the process of cleaning everything and shutting it down for the winter.  Because even if we go back, it won't be for fun but instead projects and work. 
Then at home it was time to make sure that Rashad had everything in his book bag, got together his first day of school outfit, and scrubbed-a-dubbed himself from top to bottom.  Summer is over.  I love summer.  I love sleeping in the mornings, I love feeling the sun bake my toes, I love floating in the water, weightless and nearly asleep.  I like going outside at night and feeling the heavy air while watching the stars.  I also love the clothing of summer.  Laundry at my house almost doubles when summer is over.  Instead of light shirts and shorts, I need to wash jeans and match socks.  I adore sandals and flip flops. 
But most of all I like all of my boys home.  I like Rashad here during the day.  We miss him when he is gone and I find myself thinking about whether I want to wait until he gets home to read a certain book out loud, or if he is having a good day.  I also wonder what he is learning and if he is going to 'get' it or if it will take awhile.  I also HATE homework.  I think it is torture for the kids and the parents.  The kids are at school all day and it just doesn't seem fair for them to need to come home and do more work.  It eats into family and play time.  Rashad doesn't mind doing it, but I mind for him.
But with summer over Fall begins and I love Fall.
I love the smell of burning leaves.  I love snuggling in at night under a big quilt and feeling the crisp air on my face.  I love football.  I love it on TV, I love watching the kids play little league, and I even love wrapping up and sitting in the stands on a cold Autumn night, to watch our high school team lose to everyone they play.
Every season has great aspects to it, and saying goodbye to one season means saying hello to another.