Unpopular opinion.

I love having my kids home in the summer.

No schedules. No deadlines. Just time.

Time for pool fun and icy pops.

Summer storms and late nights.

Movie watching and Uno playing.

Going to the park and learning to ride a bike.

Beach trips and sand castles.

Visiting loved ones near and far.

So much laughter envelops my home, along with the occasional spat over a toy.

I listen to the stories they create. Building forts and slaying dragons.

Their imaginations run wild with Lego creations and Barbie drama (it can get pretty sensational).

They play dress-up and say, "Mommy, look!" as they twirl and jump.

Fun dance contests and long walks watching the sunset.

Random Conga lines and endless hugs.

Baking brownies and giggling until bedtime.

During the summer, I know they are safe. I know they feel loved in my arms when they're upset.

The start of the school year is another year of childhood slipping through our fingers.

They are getting older. More innocence gone.

As the school year begins and another summer is behind us, I ask, "Where did the time go?"

It went to memories. Memories that live in our hearts long after the years have gone by.

Originally published on the author's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/shepenblog