August 28th today. Hard to believe we've reached the end of summer.

We are fast approaching fall which is one of my favourite seasons of the year. The smell and feel of fall is already in the air; the evenings and especially the morning. And this is also the time of year I start planning for Christmas; my favourite time of year.

I prefer to refer to Christmas as a season, rather than a holiday. It's about so much more than presents and Christmas morning. It's the spirit of the meaning. It's family, and spending time with friends and family that we don't see often enough throughout the year. It's the baking; the crafts. The lights. The excitement. The hustle and bustle. It's the music. I listen to Christmas music almost all year round. When the kids were little I would use them as my excuse, saying I needed to start listening to the carols early so the kids could learn the words to the songs so they could sing along at Christmas. They're older now, and wise to my tricks and excuses. They don't mind (anymore!) that their friends and our neighbours hear my Christmas music in April, or August.

This is also a time of new beginnings, with a new school year just around the corner. A time full of promise and excitement. New friends, new teachers; new schools for George and Gingo. Hopefully new inspirations; new interests. New achievements. They're excited and I'm excited for them. This year we will have 2 graduations - George from grade 12 and Pudge from grade 8.

Hard to believe my babies are growing up so fast.