I cannot believe it is September already! The summer months always seem to zip by too fast. When September arrives I know that Christmas is right around the corner. I am not sure if that is good or bad.

Since it is the beginning of September it is time for me to share our September family traditions. We kick off the month with a Labor Day pool-picnic with some family. Though the kids are grown, we still observed this special time this past Monday. It is usually our last big pool day of the season – but the pool is not closed just yet! When we lived in PA we had a hot tub and we began “Friday Night Hot Tub Nights.” Getting back in the groove for school was tough on everyone. We created these Friday nights to be a big stress relief at the end of the week for the entire family. We would choose an easy to prepare dinner that would please everyone. When we finished eating, school and work clothes were traded for swimsuits. The early fall darkness had set in and we ventured out into the chilly fall air to dip into the steamy hot tub. It gave us a chance to catch up on everyone’s week while still being a little silly and having fun. Some of these evenings included the firepit glowing. I am not sure if there is anyone in the family who loves s’mores, but we do enjoy the extra large marshmallows; brace yourself, this is where we get weird. We love to burn our marshmallows and pull off the burnt part and eat it. Then we take the same marshmallow and put it over the fire to burn and eat again…repeat, repeat, repeat! Our Friday nights became the highlight of the week with the kids giving up other activities and/or inviting their friends to join us. It is a time we will always cherish. Make Fridays special!