Signs of Summer

The # 1 sign that it is summer is swimming. Lots and lots of swimming. 5 mornings a week we are at the pool and then once or twice a week we are back in the evening for swim meets. (They last for hours but aren't so bad if you have someone to sit with and talk to.)
Jonas before a race.
Samantha getting ready to swim.
Me hanging out watching the races.
Peter gets to hang out too.
Amelia
Duffy
Sign #2 that it is summer is the suits that are always hanging over the side of my tub so they will be dry in time for the next use.
Sign #3: The towels that are always hanging to dry on the front porch. (And goggles-lots and lots of goggles.)
Sign #4: There is always a pile of flip flops by the front door.  (Clearly, several kids were out playing because there are usually more.)
Sign #5:  Popsicles, popsicles, popsicles.  We eat popsicles everyday.  (Yes, every day.)
Sign #6:  Connected to the above.  I find popsicle sticks in the grass, on the kitchen counter, on the porch (often stuck in a melted popsicle puddle) and most often, stuck in the flowerpots.  When we get 30 or so, I clean them out.  
Sign # 7:  Our 100 book reading list.  Every time the older kids finish a book, we write it down on our "bookshelf", with the goal of reading 100 books by the end of the summer.  We surpassed the goal last year.  We are a little behind this year bur Jonas is doing his part.

Sign # 8: The hammock is out most of the time and we all enjoy swinging in it.

Other signs of summer not pictured above: boating,  bikes and toys scattered all over the yard and driveway, late bedtimes, bare feet that are cracked and dry (and filthy by the end of the day), tan lines, Mom's lax attitude about most things, no schedule (other than swimming), lots of playing with friends, lots of doing nothing, days with no hairbrushing, open windows at night, and so on and so forth.... Definitely my favorite time of year!