Sweet Summertime Memories

Summertime makes me nostalgic for my childhood. I spent the early years of my childhood in Lansing, Michigan. I was 11 when we moved to Battle Creek, Michigan because of my Dad's job. It's those early years of my childhood that I remember most. This evening as I looked out our second-floor bedroom window, I saw a familiar sight- the American flag. It is everywhere in our neighborhood, waving high in the air at the top of flag poles, and the sight of it makes me feel comforted, like I'm in the presence of an old friend. The thought of the American Flag, coupled with old friends, made me reflect on summertime in Lansing circa 1984-1991 (I don't remember much before the age of 4). I made a short list of memories in my head. Here they are, in no particular order.
1.) Walking to 7-11 to get a Slurpee. The Coke flavor was my favorite.
2.) Playing 4-Square in Sarah Henderson's driveway.
3.) The slip-n-slide in the Riley's backyard- my butt hurts just thinking about it.
4.) Swimming in the Pedersen's pool.
5.) Playing basketball well after dark, again with the Riley's or Pedersen's.
6.) Baseball in the Riley's backyard, me always on Josh's team, which I loved, b/c I knew he would hit a home run and I would get to run the bases.
7.) Riding my bike up and down the street until my legs felt like they were going to fall off.
8.) Playing in the sandbox with Josh. We didn't have sand toys, just bugs.
9.) Lemonade stands
10.) Fishing in Fox Park
11.) Fireworks in the Riley's driveway.

The list goes on in my head. I'm so blessed to have these memories. I hold on to them. Now that I have my own family, I'm doing my best to give my children happy memories. I hope that their lists are endless.