Passports and Paintbrushes

Hello lovely readers, how are you on this fine Tuesday? I am both relaxed and melancholy. Why, you ask? Relaxed because I had a fun, rejuvenating Labor day weekend, but melancholy because this holiday marks the end of summer in my mind. And this summer was one for the books. Although the weather in Southern California doesn’t change more than a few degrees, and the trees generally keep their green leaves, fall is undeniably in the air. School is back in full swing and life is settling into a consistent routine. Life takes on a faster pace, and my to-do list grows longer with each passing day. But if summer never ended, it would loose it’s magic. So as sad as it is to say goodbye, it was a good kind of sadness. I know summer will visit these parts again before we know it!
Keep scrolling for a  few photos of our summer send off.
My little brother visited me at school for the weekend. We went to an outdoor church, drank delicious coffee, and watched the sunset at El Matador beach. The waves were threateningly large, so we opted to stay on the sand, but the sunset did not disappoint! 
^Aren’t little brothers just the best? Most of the time anyways…:p
Monday afternoon we drove to a family friend’s house for our annual Labor Day BBQ! I adore traditions, and this one is no exception. I always look forward to hanging by the pool, playing card games, and eating unhealthy amounts of food.
^My little brother took most of these photos- is he talented or what?
And so, dear Summer, I bit you adieu! You’ve been good to me. Until next time.

P.s. Below I’ve complied a few of my favorite posts I’ve written this summer, I hope you enjoy rereading them as much as I did. Have a wonderful (short) week friends.
A Happy List
Why Children Make The Best Teachers
The ABC’s Of Hildesheim
What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
A Happy (German) Birthday
Heidelberg Revisited
Amsterdam: A City Guide
Strawberry Picking
Aufwiedersehen Deutschland

Question of the Day
Do you have any Labor Day traditions?