It feels like we were just unpacking backpacks and lighting sparklers, and now we’re organizing school supplies and making dorm runs. This summer was a sweet one – full of adventures, friends, family time, and those everyday moments that mean the most. John completed both Physics II and Calculus III, while Whit logged over 50 volunteer hours with his favorite organizations, began considering his college path, and knocked out his Health course online. We spent countless hours on the porch, and even more listening to records on repeat in the den. And I cooked, cleaned, washed, and cared for them with a strange kind of joy that comes with knowing time is fleeting.
Here’s our summer in snaps…
I made, and we consumed, more loaves of sourdough than I can count.
We played all the games all the time. Rarely was there not one on the cleared off dining room table.
We made early suppers at the club on Friday nights a tradition, Honey and I staying on for happy hour with friends.
I took meal requests every Saturday morning and make it my mission to make all of their favorites.
We went on bakery quests for gingerbread and Dubai chocolate.
We lunched with friends, I made snow cones by the pool on repeat and washed towels by the dozens.
Just like that, summer has come to a close. No regrets!
Dixie Delights
join me as I travel, decorate, create & celebrate
Instagram | Pinterest
Dixie Travels
perfectly planned trips & our travel adventures
Book Now | Learn More
Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest
Your summer sounds like it was so full! You mentioned Whit’s 50 hours of community service. I’d LOVE to hear you share more about what he does and also what you think helps high schoolers be more marketable to their choice colleges. We have two students that are coming up on time to start thinking and I just would love input from someone who has already done it!
Whit has a heart for working with animals, senior citizens and kids and young adults with disabilities. He serves each through a different organization. For seniors, he calls bingo at a home a few times a month. For kids with disabilities, he likes to be active. The last two summers he volunteered at camps – this summer through iCan Shine and last summer through FOCUS. During the school year he works with young adults through the Tommy Nobis Center and a local soccer program. For the dogs, he volunteers with a retired homeland security officer in the area training K9 and writing educational manuals for law enforcement officers around the country. I think it’s important to note he isn’t doing this for college applications – he simply has a servant’s heart. In fact, his school doesn’t even track or give any sort of recognition for hours not earned directly through the school. John applied to his top 3 schools and was admitted to all 3 without this type of community service (he did have outstanding grades and test scores). John volunteer coached youth lacrosse, because that’s where is interest, talent and passion intersected, was a varsity athlete, had character and scholarship awards and a good resume without strong service. As far as college applications, SAT/ACT and GPA are going to drive acceptance to top schools. Unless the kids have some sort of truly exemplary achievement outside of that, I don’t find it counts for much admissions wise. Just my two cents and personal experience though!