The Summer Season Is Coming To An End

Here we are in the final countdown of summer!

First things first, are you subscribed to my podcast yet? If not, GET ON IT! The last episode was all about the value of traditions.

There is something about traditions that make my tummy feel warm and cozy. I love the festivities, creating moments, and looking forward to it all, the familiarity of it just gives me joy beyond anything else.... well maybe warm apple pie, butter tarts, and of course lattes.

As you may know, my very favourite traditions are created around Christmas and Thanksgiving. One tradition we’ve created every summer with our family is going up to "Godfather Mikey's cottage" - Madison's Godfather. Mike and Kevin have been friends from way back when and when we had Madison, it was without a doubt in Kevin’s mind to choose Mike to be her Godfather. I second the motion because me and Mike (as much as he acts like I'm annoying) click when it comes to traditions! 

When Mike got the cottage seven years ago, I immediately asked when we were going to be invited. As usual, he replied "never", but I got my weekends in! The best part about your husband's friend is when you click with their wives! Every year we do the same thing, the guys wake up with the kids at around 6:30 am. They go fishing for two hours while the ladies chill and get breakfast ready. When they come back, we eat and then head out on the boat for the day. The cottage is near Bobcaygeon so we wander into town to walk along the shops, grab ice cream and watch the boats come and go through the locks.

After we’re done, we head back on the boat, pump up the country music, and me and Giovanna (Mike's wife) take a nap while getting some sun. We get dinner ready, have a campfire, and most nights the boys head back to the boat to fish some more while us girls laugh our asses off at foolishness and talk about food, home stuff, nonsense, and much more.

For the last four years, I’ve constantly looked up listings for cottages nearby so I can go up more, but I did not marry a cottage man, so those dreams will have to be stored away lol. 

When we leave, there’s a little blue book with a red boat (I think) on the front of it where guests can write. This is one of my favourite touches at their cottage. Being a person who loves sentiments, It adds to the coziness and makes it feel more like home. 15 years from now, I can’t wait to read those entries and remember the good times we had at this cottage. There is always some inside joke or something funny that happens each visit.

I think the highlight was the kids on the tube this year, it was the first time watching my kids tubing and I must say that I was pretty panic-stricken. I did face my fears though and it was great .... until Harper fell off...... BUT she got back on!

Again, this is a family tradition that I full-heartedly look forward to every single year. The kids are already asking me ..."Mommy, when are we going to Godfather Mikey's cottage again?" It’s adorable. 

This goes to my point though, there is a huge value in traditions. It keeps us hopeful, and excited. We know that there is a moment coming, something that is familiar. I just have a real passion for traditions, it brings the inner child out of me! We had a blast and can't wait for next year to go back!

What about you? Are you a fan of traditions?

Let me know!

 Xo

Pammy