Cookouts, shorts, and popsicles

Summer is almost official, at least by our standards and not the calendar's, with the start of Memorial (Decoration) Day weekend.
First, it is very important to remember that this holiday isn't just about summer cookouts, shorts, and popsicles; it is about those that have given their lives to protect those cookouts, shorts, and popsicles. They have continued to protect all of the things we love and hate about our country. Without them, this weekend wouldn't be possible and our course would have been extremely different. I give my sincerest thanks to all who have served, continue to serve, and will serve in the words of the Zac Brown Band, "I thank God for my life, for the stars and stripes, may freedom forever fly, let it ring. Salute the ones who've died, the ones that give their lives, so we don't have to sacrifice all the things we love like our chicken fried and cold beer on a Friday night, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up."
Second, I raise my glass to all of the teachers whose year is done. I know every year is a bittersweet end; we will miss every face that has touched our lives and will remember the ones that touched our hearts, but it is time to see them move on and take the next steps. Every single one of you deserves this break, and for those who don't agree remember teachers have exactly 23 "standard" working days (8 hour days with 185 days per school year) to teach your child everything they need to know for their subject that year. Could you do your year long job in just 23 days? Next, to all of those who take over for the summer (parents, babysitters, nannies, older siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc...) Enjoy! Children are an amazing gift getting ready for a complicated and ever changing world. Read with them, allow them to think and grow, let them take some risks, challenge them, create with them, imagine with them, read (more) with them, let them fail, let them continue to experience pure joy (the one most adults have lost) rejoice in their smallest successes, nurture them, practice with them, and allow them to express their whole selves.
Finally, here's to summer. Here's to making it count - Don't get lost in the day-to-day, remember to enjoy the moments. Take time with those who mean the most to you because they will not be around forever; utilize this time. Make memories because in the end they will be all that matters, not the amount of "stuff" you let accumulate in your house. Be honest with yourself. Indulge your childish side - visit a water park, buy ice cream from the ice cream man, giggle, splash down a slip and slide, play in the mud, and be genuinely happy. Relax. Finish something. Do something that makes your soul feel good. Enjoy Mother Nature.   
Happy summer everyone!