Today, my house is a little quieter. Backpacks are packed. Lunches made. Football gear is loaded. And just like that… summer is over.

It’s always a little bittersweet, isn’t it? On one hand, I’m so ready for structure again—the routines, the rhythms, the chance to breathe and focus during the day. But on the other hand… I feel it in my chest. That ache.

The kind that whispers, “You only get so many summers with them.”

Years ago, I remember hearing someone talk about counting how many summers you have left with your kids. And at the time, I pushed that thought away—because who wants to count like that? But this year… I’m really feeling it.

My oldest is a junior. My middle is a sophomore. And my youngest is starting 4th grade.
This is the last summer before we step into the chaos of senior year, and next summer? It’ll be the summer before college.
Our last “normal” summer as a full family at home.

Okay, breathe.
If you’re a mom who’s here—or who’s been here—I know you feel this too. And I know you're nodding, telling me, “It’s going to be okay.”
I believe you. I really do. But this is where I am.

This summer, I said yes—to them, to me, to us.
Because I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that if you don’t make time for yourself in the midst of motherhood, work, and life… you can lose yourself. And I’m not doing that again.

So this summer, I said yes to:

🌊 A beach trip with one of my dearest friends, Sara-Anne, to kick things off

🏔️ A family trip to Gatlinburg, TN

🏛️ A college tour of Appalachian State University with Bayden

🏕️ Camping at the New River with friends

☀️ Our annual Camp Gioeli trip to Virginia Beach with cousins

🌴 Another beach trip in early July with friends

🏖️ Turks and Caicos with Sara-Anne (a dream!)

🎂 And a weekend in Charleston, SC to celebrate my 40th with Marc

Some trips were chaotic and full of kids. Others were calm and just for me. But every single one reminded me how important it is to live this season, not just survive it.

So, here we are—another school year begins. And even though it feels a little heavy, I’m walking into it full of gratitude.

To the mamas sending kids off with lump-in-your-throat goodbyes... I see you.
Let’s soak up this year and keep saying yes—to them, and to ourselves. 💛

What Did You Say “Yes” to This Summer?

As we head into a new school year, I’d love to know—what were the moments that filled your cup this summer?
Big trips or small quiet ones, solo time or family chaos… it all matters.

💬 Share your favorite summer memory in the comments or send me a message—I’d love to hear it.
And if you're looking ahead to the fall and thinking about capturing your own family's milestones, I’d be honored to help.

📸 Let’s document this season—because these years really do fly by.