Seasonings

The smell of sunscreen.

Chilled watermelon.

Wild violets to pick and give away.

Splinters and blisters.

The sound of lawnmowers.

Reading cloud shapes.

Green pollen all over my windshield.

Homemade popsicles.  

Filling the pool with cold water from the hose.

Lost balls.

Ice cream rings around little mouths.

Making fairy houses.

Backyard games--hide-and-go-seek, red light/green light, tag.

Wading barefoot in plastic swimming pools.

Pink faces and new tan lines.

Frisbees and hula hoops.

Big wheels all over the driveway.

Sand between little toes.

Chasing bubbles.

Ladybugs, worms, butterflies, bumblebees.

Late bedtimes.

Waving at neighbors.

Yellow dandelions all over the yard.

The smell of charcoal and lighter fluid.

Skinned knees.

Running through the sprinkler.

Humming window fans.

Short sleeves and no more jackets.

Kites.

The search for shade.

Picnics.

Sweaty hair.

Sidewalk chalk.

Sleeping  . . . like a child.