School is back in session, our local pool has closed much too early in our opinion, and the coffee shops have brought back their assortment of fall drinks—always including their own versions of the famous pumpkin spice latte.

Everything and almost everyone is begging for the autumn season to show itself, and while we're on the cusp of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it’s still a raging 90 degrees and sunny with an occasional thunderstorm thrown into this Midwest mix. While the allure of seasonal drinks and pastries, home decor, clothes, and movies may sway some, it seems both the calendar and the weather cannot be bribed into forcing the official first day of fall. Too soon, they say. And I have to say, my sweaty armpits agree!

So until then, I’ll sit back and unwind—continuing to sip my cold brew (sans pumpkin foam) and enjoy these very last days and memories of this summer season!

• Give us a lazy river, water slides, and always the w a v e pool!

• The flowers we planted last year bloomed so well this season! Our favorite blooms, the Summerific “Midnight Marvel” hibiscus, are truly living up to their name!

• Continued love for the PNW—including tiny homes, charging elk, all the coffee, and checking off adventures in all three of Washington's beautiful national parks!

• The best birthday present : my beloved and worn out combat boots restored for wear once again!

• We discovered house finches making a nest in our hanging basket! Naturally, we named the parents Betsy and Carl, and continued monitoring the cutest baby bird activity as five speckled eggs hatched around July 4th! Welcome to the world, Carls Jr., Dot, Finch, Crew, and Liberty!

• Reconnecting with family over tears, fireworks, and an abundance of food—and the ever nostalgic Peach Nehi!

• Ministry over the mess : Having a critical eye with a positive spirit

• Not a stranger to the 80s, I'm both embarrassed yet pleased to say that Craig has introduced me to all three Back to the Future movies!

• Late night walks and tea time with neighbors

• Burnt sugar ice cream affogatos : always a treat in the middle of a home project Saturday!

• Midnight Scrabble matches

• Creative brainstorming!

• Maybe one too many of Thelma's snickerdoodle ice cream sandwiches—also, you’re welcome.

• Celebrating our 12 year “ask-iversary” : the one where Craig created an elaborate plan to ask me out!