While it’s technically not over — with an extra bonus week given how this year’s calendar fell — with September looming only days away, that end-of-summer feeling is in the air. The evenings are cooler, the days a little shorter, and back-to-school ads have faded in favour of Halloween decorations and the odd suggestion that Christmas is coming. Rudolph has already managed to play more than once through our speakers…don’t ask me why.

The last thing I want to do is wish time away. I’m not rushing a return to early morning routines any more than I’m rushing to get out my winter coat, but I am, at the same time, embracing that change is once again upon us.  But before we get into the smells of fall or the crunch of leaves beneath our feet, I’m spending my time embracing these last few days with the kids out of school and me trying to live vicariously through their adventures. In my head and heart, I feel that since they get to sleep in, take the days off and relax, well — so too should I.

Perhaps I can skirt my responsibilities at work just a little bit more than I should?.Perhaps those above me will be a little more forgiving than usual? Ah, to daydream a summer life where I get to live like them for just one more week would be great, wouldn’t it?

Alas, that is not the case, so instead I’ll at least enjoy one more week of commutes without getting stuck behind a school bus.

As sad as it may be that there are only seven days remaining, all in all, this was a summer to remember. An epic trip out east, a new addition to the backyard kitchen, and laying the foundations of a personal dream that will one day soon be coming true. I have so much to hang on to from this year, and while no single event necessarily means more to me than another, the collection of all of them means everything.

And while I speak often of the value I put in the time I get with the kids, there is another member of this family I hold just as precious. As I think back on this summer in particular, I recognize how lucky I am to have gotten to spend an amazing amount of time with Alison.

Yoga in the park. Hot tub mornings. 5,000 kilometres in a car. Rock climbing. Board games. Evening walks with the dog. Morning walks with the dog. Watching TV before bed.  There are moments both big and small that make up our time together, and I really do consider myself lucky for all of them.

In equal parts to that sentiment, I also have to say just how proud of her I am. She has always inspired me — of that there is no question — but over the past two months, I’ve sat back and watched her build, quite literally, a new chapter in her life.  As someone who loves to not only set goals but achieve them, opening a new clinic in Fergus was something she’d been talking about for the better part of a year. So when space became available, her mindset was ready to scoop it up and make it work.

Between planning and painting, prepping and testing, she has somehow managed not only to balance a complicated family-life schedule, but also to finish the work necessary to open her doors in September. Through all of that, she still makes sure to find time for herself — regular walks with her mom, sports, exercise and work time — AND she ensures I’m afforded the same, providing the “me” time I need when I need it.

You’ve always impressed me, Alison. There’s no denying that. But this past summer?

Well, it’s just next-level stuff.

So, final week of summer, I don’t know exactly what you’re going to bring. Some attempt to return to routine while also abandoning it altogether, I’m sure.  Either way, it has been a wonderful time; the smile on my face and my photo album tell me so.

And now I look forward to our return to form: regularly scheduled Daddy-daughter nights, meet-the-teacher events, Thanksgiving dinners, planning our Halloween costumes and, yes…

Even Rudolph.