Ahhhhh…mid August. The last gasp of summer. The final push to check off all the “to-do’s” we put on our list back in June. It always comes to an end too fast, doesn’t it?

We’ve had a wonderful summer, but I still feel a pang of guilt. Kids only get a few summers as children, and I know very well that soon enough they’ll be racing off to summer jobs or spending their days with friends.  This is my time with them. While they are young. While they are mine.  Have we made enough memories together??

Evie suggested we have a picnic at the park they affectionately refer to as “Butterfly Park.”  It is a bit of a drive away, so we don’t go there often, but since summer is nearing its end I couldn’t turn her down.  My cousin Monika stayed home while Vivian napped, so I was able to spend some time with just Evie and Mack.  It was nice to focus on them – I’m so used to chasing wee Viv all over the park!

The park was wide and open, so the kids ran and ran. They found a huge fallen branch, and took it upon themselves to haul it over to me.  Mack then brought over a big log to make a “rat trap.”  It was nice to observe his imagination and creativity hard at work.

At Evie’s request, we packed up a nice picnic lunch.  The kids wanted macaroni and cheese with peas, and Mack was sure to pack an apple and plum for himself.  I made myself a quick salad of chick peas, tomatoes and roasted peppers.

Chick Pea and Tomato Salad (serves 1 for lunch)

1 cup chick peas

1 tomato, diced

a few slices of roasted red pepper, diced

fresh mozzarella

1 lemon

olive oil

salt, pepper

Combine chick peas, tomatoes and roasted peppers. Sprinkle juice from one lemon and about a tablespoon of olive oil on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  Toss and enjoy.

Basil would be divine with this, but ever since my pregnancy with Vivian I just can’t stomach fresh basil.  Tragic, I know!