first day of summer

Let's hear a "hey!" and a "ho!" for me being back in Denver. Finals are finished, I'm semi-unpacked, and I'm back to sleeping in a bed that doesn't require three forms of padding to be comfortable. I have many many plans for this summer, and today proved to be a good start to the next four months. The transition into summer last year proved challenging, but I feel like I'm already back into the swing of things this year.

My first day of summer went as follows:

:: I got up with my first alarm this morning (which is quite an accomplishment for me) and went on a 20 minute "run." I'm trying to make myself more athletic, and I figured this is a good way to start. I also plan on spending significant time hiking and camping. I love the mountains more and more each summer and crave the fresh air and peace they provide.

:: After getting ready while catching up on "Chuck," I tended to some household business before walking with Moosey over to get Sarah from school. (She had a half day today and was finished at 11:00.)

:: We stopped by Grandpa's to say hello, but he was out running errands. I didn't mind the slight detour, however, because we got to walk home through the neighborhoods instead of along the main road. It was nice.

Sarah, Moose, and re-runs of "Friday Night Lights" kept me company while unpacking. It didn't take long for my dresser and closets to fill up. I love settling back into my room, but it does overwhelm me a little to think about packing it all up again in just a few months.


:: Mom and I dropped Sarah off at dance class, then sat in a nearby parking lot for some productive list-making. We came home, donned aprons, and enjoyed our reunion as kitchen buddies. Mom made Michelle's Miracle Bread, and the loaves came out somewhat monstrous. They were delicious, though!

:: And what goes better with a first day home and homemade bread than my favorite soup? Mom made Ham & Bean soup, and it was wonderful. Grandpa came over for dinner, and we enjoyed our delicious meal together. I love family dinners.


:: In creating a good first day of summer, I was perhaps overambitious. I love reading a book out on the trampoline in the evenings, but Colorado "springtime" evenings are downright chilly. I should have expected as much, seeing as this last weekend included eight inches of snow, but I only lasted about two minutes outside, hoodie, headband, and all, before coming in.


Though my evening reading will be limited to the indoors for the next while, I am thoroughly enjoying being able to read books just because, not because they are assigned.

*Was today your first day of anything?
*What are you reading?