Where did summer go? Why does it have to end so fast? I know what you are thinking, you are living in San Diego having summer all year around. Well, not so fast. You are right, it is still pretty warm in the Fall, some days are even unbearably hot but summer is over. It is not about the weather. Kids are back in school, a clear indicator that summer fun as we know it, is OVER. Driving around with hormonal teenagers and listening to the endless drama, insane homework load, dreaded projects, sports practices daily, and the glory of being a "hired driver" to shuffle them around all day long till late nights. And even though it is not about the weather, in few months we will have rain. Lots of it. And near zero temperatures. Yes, I bet you had no idea that weather in San Diego can be so "extreme". :)

So, how was your summer? Was it as fun as mine? As I am faced by all the Halloween ads and costumes in every single store and I look back on our summer adventures, I feel extremely lucky for being able to take time off to travel while spending quality time with my family. What makes this discovery even more relevant is that on my return to the States in August many people asked me how my vacation was. After gleefully describing all the fun we had, I reciprocated and threw the question back. Except, all I got was sad, disappointed responses. A friend of my daughter told me that her dad did not let their family take time off because she could not miss any soccer practices or tournaments. Others shared that they have not been on a vacation longer then a few days for years and years. Now, should I feel ashamed of myself and guilty for taking my kid away from her team and making her miss a tournament and a few practices? I used to. But not anymore. Listening to people around me makes me feel even more sure that I am doing the right thing. Knowing that I am building life long bonds and creating unforgettable memories with my children is more important than missing a game or two. To have carefree fun, to forget about our everyday responsibilities, to teach them to enjoy life to the fullest is more important than anything else.

I grew up looking forward to our fun vacations with my parents, sometimes three weeks camping around the Mediterranean or just traveling around Hungary. A three week vacation is almost unheard of here in the States. Most companies only allow their employees an extended weekend or maybe a week for time off. And we wonder why people are so stressed all the time, why families don't know how to have fun together anymore. Why a new car or a bigger house is more important than fully enjoying yourself traveling for a couple of weeks, seeking exciting adventures, experiencing different cultures, tasting delicious, new food. 

Is it only America? Or is it a World epidemic? Or is it that we just simply lost the ability to relax, to completely put our work aside and enjoy ourselves freely. Without a fear of losing our jobs, losing our position at work or within a sports team. Is it the fear of losing control in lieu of uninterrupted, much needed fun? Whether you enjoy a "staycation", or backpack in the countryside or venture abroad, the important thing is spending time away from our everyday life. What are your thoughts? We would love to hear your opinion. So, how was your summer? #mommyknowsbest