A Few of My Favorite (Summer) Things: Part II

As I suspected in this post, as the summer has progressed I have thought of more "favorite things" to share with you here on the ABC blog.  Just remember:

When the dog bites

When the bee stings

When I'm feeling sad

I simply remember my favorite things

And then I don't feel so bad

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(1) Abundant fresh produce!

So far this summer I have used fresh produce to make:

• Summer Vegetable Soup;
• Herb-Roasted Vegetable Salad;
• Dill Potato and Pea Salad; 
• Homemade Peach Compote; and
• much, MUCH more!

Check out my Recipage to see all of my produce-incorporated creations!

Apples and peaches and bananas...OH MY!

Potatoes and honeydew and squash...OH MY!

(2) Watching Lola grow

By this time next year, Lola will be fully grown...which, if I'm completely honest with myself, makes me sort of sad.  :(

For now (at least), she is still growing; and it is exactly for that reason that I have added her to my list of summer favorites.  At just a couple of days over six months old, she weighs in at 49.7 pounds(!), and is more energetic and fun than ever.  Now that she is fully poddy-trained, crate-trained, and house-broken, Bo and I feel like we can really enjoy her.  She has such a loving and silly personality, and she makes us laugh out loud several times a day.

We hit the jackpot with Lola...she is truly one of a kind.

(3) Holidays, Parties, and Friends!

As you might remember, we had a HUGE party at our house on July 4th!  But it's not only on July 4th that we get together to cookout, relax, and have some fun in the sun!  NO - our group of friends gets together at least twice a month to eat, drink, be merry, and enjoy the summer months!

Needless to say, we are very blessed in the friends department!

(4) Summer Blockbusters

I have one word, and one word only, for you on this topic: BATMAN.

Source

Need I say more?!  

I didn't think so...

Sidenote: Bo and I recently saw Moonrise Kingdom and LOVED it!  If you appreciate well-acted - albeit slightly quirky - films, then don't miss out on this one!

(5) The Sights and Sounds of Childhood

Here in Orange Park, FL, we live one block away from a middle school, in a very family-oriented and child-friendly neighborhood.  As a result, while school is out during the summer, children are constantly riding their bikes in the streets, playing basketball in their driveways, and walking to and from the local stores.

I don't know about you, but seeing children laughing and playing together during summer break reminds me of all the laughter and fun that I enjoyed in my own childhood.  As an adult, I may still be working my normal hours throughout June, July, and August, but something about the smile on my 10 year-old neighbors face as she rides her bike with "no hands" brings a little a LOT of joy into my day!

Question of the Day:


What are some MORE of YOUR favorite things about summer?!

Blessings,
Ally and Bo