Summertime Dreaming

During my recent journeys around the internet I've seen many stories and photos of summer cabins and beachside cottages, and it's got me to pondering on the idea of summer vacation as a state of mind.  Just the word summer holds so much power to conjure images and feelings, memories.

For me, the word conjures up screen doors and gardens.....

Fans in the window and hot afternoons....

Summer reading.  Some of my fondest childhood memories are of hanging out in the cool basement at the public library, and participating in the summer reading club.  When my own kids were little I dragged them to the library too, intent that they should have the same fond memories.  Not sure how that worked.

I remember family reunion picnics with lots of potato salad.  I miss those. I hated having to play volleyball though.  I really sucked at that, or anything that involved eye/hand coordination.

Road trips to Iowa to see my mom and brothers are another summer constant.  The kids and I used to hop in the car and go every summer; DH and I will be flying out in a couple weeks.  There is a part of me that really doesn't want to go without my children.  I feel like an important element is missing. When I'm there now, I swear I can hear the ghosts of their child laughter, pealing through the house.

I look around expecting this little girl with her impish grin.

Or these hooligans.

What are your summer memories?  Do you do anything now to invoke those memories, or are there summer traditions your family has?  How do you live summer as a state of mind?