i ♥ summer?

If you would have told me a few years ago that I would eventually grow to like Summer, let alone possibly love it, I probably would have laughed in your face. Growing up and living in LA for so many years, Summers were BRUTAL. Downright gross. I have vivid memories of intensely hot days that make you want to do nothing but stay inside with your AC on full blast and a slurpee in hand. Don't even get me started on all the sweating that was involved. Basically, my Summers used to suck and I was not a fan.

Moving to Oakland has changed everything. Summers here are significantly milder, not to mention a shit ton less smoggy. The days are warm and rarely HOT. The evenings always cool down, making sleeping with your windows open pure heaven. And seriously, hanging out with naked babies in kiddie pools has become one of my favorite activities. Summer is a season that I actually start to look forward to.

My sweet friend, Shayna, hosted a BBQ this weekend that made it feel like Summer has arrived*. We grilled steaks, and sausages, and asparagus, and Joe's pizza dough. We drank beer while babies snacked on strawberries and watermelon. We watched dogs play while we soaked up some sun. If this is the Summer that I've heard so many of you be so passionate about over the years, then I'm definitely on board.

*Ok, so it's not officially Summer, but we've definitely had some days here lately that feel a lot like the real thing.