My daughter enjoying the ocean view

I just finished my morning coffee on the beach with the eagles, the loons and the less majestic sea gulls.  The cooler night air has brought with it a hint of fog on the water.  The first sign of the fall season.  It’s been a wonderful two weeks with my kids but now we have to say good bye, something I hate.  The end of time with my kids, the end of summer.  This year is also different in that neither of my children return to high school the typical end of summer marker.  Those years are behind us now, and although they’re far from mature adults, they’re almost there.  It’s a satisfying and sad feeling at the same time.  While everyone is getting ready for back to school, there comes a time as a parent when you no longer have to think about that.  Yet the summer comes to an end regardless.

A crab in hand

My son is working full time and saving up to travel next summer.  He has a list of places he wants to go.  My daughter is gearing up for her second year at University and secretly hoping she will enjoy it more than the last one.  She’ll be moving into a new place on the weekend and hopefully she’ll be happy with new roommates.  They’re slowly making their lives away from their parents.  I’m proud of both of them.  In the meantime, I have my summer beach memories with my kids.  From the time they were 5 we’ve been staying at the beach for a summer break.  This has included skim boarding, whale watching, star gazing, beach fires, roasted wieners and marsh mellows, late sleep ins, movie nights, a ferry ride to the islands and now bracelet making since my son’s girlfriend is an expert at it and joins us for part of the holiday.  Summer memories;

That’s me in my bikini; NOT
photo credit; browndresswithwhitedots.com

Us on the ferry

My son and I having a chat on the ferry ride

Sibling love; not

Friendship bracelets Emily helped us make

I guess keeping certain traditions help maintain some normalcy after divorce and help to continue the bonding with our children.  Summer’s end is near and soon it will be time to put away the beach chairs, pack up our summer clothes, and get back to work but we’ll always have our summer memories.  What are you summer traditions and memories?