What is your favorite season?

I have a healthy appreciation for all four seasons, however, summer would have to be just a bit above the rest. There's something about sunshine that lifts my spirits. I love to let the kids play in the backyard. Of course, once the sprinkler comes on, I run for dear life as they are quite ruthless with the thing. I also enjoy going on walks outside and seeing the beautiful landscaping that some of our neighbors have. The boys ride on their Power Wheels while Ammon and I walk -or run as the case may be - behind them.

The main attraction at our house during the summer is the garden. Ammon and I have so much fun planning the layout for the garden and deciding what to plant. We typically start the seeds inside and then move them outside when they get big enough. We start checking them the day after planting just to see if we have any sprouts. It's nearly as exciting as waiting for Christmas as a kid. By the time summer is in full swing, we are starting to see veggies appear and getting close to harvest. Harvesting is a family affair. Aidan picks things like tomatoes, peppers and corn while Ammon and I work together to dig up potatoes and sweet potatoes. The cucumbers and tomatoes are generally so prolific that it takes two people to get through the plants and pick everything. There's truly something for everyone during gardening season. Ryan will be old enough this year to help and Mara can spend some time outside on a blanket. It's a wonderful way to have family time without the television.

And what could be better at the end of a summer day of work, play, gardening, etc.? Hamburgers on the grill. Ahh, the smell of charcoal and cooking beef patties. Add a side of pasta salad or some corn and salad from the garden and you've got yourself a perfect summer meal with very little clean-up for Mom. Yippeee!

So now that I've shared about my favorite season, feel free to comment on yours.

Resurrecting the blog...

I've decided to attempt blogging again. Hopefully this time will be more regular. I went to a Relief Society meeting yesterday where we were all given "journal jars." These are jars filled with slips of paper that have topics on them. This is to make it easier to write something in a journal as most of us feel we have nothing profound to write on a daily basis. Some of the topics are a little too emotional to share with people in the present, so I will save those for my posterity in a handwritten journal, but as for the rest, I thought I'd write them here so I can share them with family and friends.

Feel free to share your own feelings on the topic in the comment section if you would like. I would love to hear others' experiences. Looking forward to a great blogging experience.