Well, that was fast. Summer 2025 showed up, dropped a bunch of memories in my lap, and then peaced out before I even had time to finish my coffee. I swear I just bought sunscreen and pool noodles, and now I’m staring down a fall calendar that looks more like an air traffic control schedule than a family planner.

But let’s rewind, because what a ride.

This summer was jam-packed with memories. First and foremost, I got to soak up time with my soon-to-be husband… our own little adventures, stolen quiet moments, and plenty of laughs in between the chaos of keeping up with kids. Honestly, marrying your best friend is a vibe.

And then there were the kids. Ohhh, the kids. The boys won their ball hockey leagues (cue proud mom moment), and G casually went and made the provincial team. No big deal. Except it is. He also gave us peak entertainment during flag football season when he literally wore his sunglasses at night. Yes. At night. Corey Hart would be proud. The confidence on that kid… I can’t.

Jai started easing back into dance, slowly stepping back into her passion, which makes my heart burst. My stepson and the twins crushed soccer all summer (including a pair of shin pads that would fit a Smurf), and Kris and Grey joined new hockey teams and are already thriving- stronger, faster, better. Meanwhile, I’ve decided my official position in all of this is “Professional Uber Driver.” (minus actually being paid)

When we weren’t living at the rink, the field, or running from one game to the next, we actually managed to live a little. Ribfest weekend? Legendary. So many laughs, so much food, and possibly more ribs than a human body should consume in a weekend… but I regret nothing (okay, maybe a few too many butter tarts.) The pool became our second home, full of cannonballs, endless whirlpools, and those rare blissful moments where I got to show off my professional back float and pretend I didn’t hear anything. #IYKYK

And honestly? The cherry on top was the family and friends. I got to see relatives I haven’t seen in literal decades, and we reconnected with old friends while making new ones. My heart feels really full… and so does my calendar.

Because now? Now fall is here and things are about to get insane. Between hockey, soccer, dance, ball hockey, flag football (and probably underwater basket weaving if one of them suggests it *cough*cough*G*cough*cough*), we might as well set up cots in the back of the car. Our calendar looks like a bad Tetris game, minus a winner.

So yeah, summer was short. But it was also sweet, loud, exhausting, and absolutely perfect.

Fall, you’ve been warned: I’ve got car snacks and enough caffeine to wake up a Tyrannosaurus Rex. But I need to manifest winning the lottery because how on Earth does one work (full-time) while navigating this soon-to-be chaos?