I LOVE July!!!

I guess if people were asked to pick their favourite month, most would pick the month in which they were born. But my birthday is only one of the reasons I love July. Here's a few more:
1 - FOOTBALL!!! The CFL season starts the last week in June, so every Thursday and Friday (and some Saturdays, too) I can catch a game or two on TSN.
2 - Canada Day. Some years, our activities are quite laid back. But this July 1st was a blast.
My friend Sheila invited Amie and me (and our families!) to join Sheila's family for a pool party and barbeque before we headed to watch the fireworks in Portage.

We all had a terrific time, especially me, because, as my kids become older (and taller!) they become much more confident in the water, and don't cling to my neck nearly as much as they did a year or two ago!

The day started out really warm and sunny, but around 5 or 6 o'clock, the wind picked up, and it became quite cool in the pool. It was still nice enough, though that we could eat outside. We also had a bon fire before heading off to watch the fireworks. What a great holiday. Thanks, so much Sheila, for hosting. I know it was a lot of work, and we really appreciate it!
3 - my birthday. This year, since my "special day" is on a Saturday, I'll be celebrating it by celebrating my cousin Kenny's wedding. Sheila and Amie have also planned something for me on the Wednesday before. They were talking about it on Canada Day, but the conversation got very quiet everytime I wandered close to them. Should be lots of fun, though. We went to Winnipeg last month for Amie's birthday. We did a bit of shopping (of course), went to Olive Garden for a very relaxed supper, and went to a movie. It was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to see what they have planned for my day!
4 - SUMMER HOLIDAYS!! The craziness of the last month (or two!) of school is over, and I can sit back and relax. I plan to do some "Clean Sweeping" in my house, lots of scrapping, and some stamping as well. Also want to spend some "fun" days with the boys (can't be lazy at home every day).
5 - did I mention football? Drew is playing football for the first time this summer, and we're both quite excited about that. We go to pick up equipment on Saturday, and his first practice is on Tuesday. I'm sure I'll have a lot to post about as the season progresses.
6 - "Shouble Soup" (that is SO not the way to spell it, but if you're Mennonite, you should know what I'm talking about!!) My mom has made bean soup for years, from fresh, new garden produce. You know it's summer when you can start making pots of bean soup with new potatoes, baby carrots, peas and ham. Ray and I made a HUGE pot last year, and I wound up freezing it, so we could eat it all summer long. Can't wait to be able to make it again this year.
Well, I think that's about it. Lots of reasons that July is my favourite month. Oh yeah, and one big reason NOT to like July - mosquitoes!!