When will summer start?

A friendly waiter at a favorite Mexican restaurant once commented that his family members back home think we mid-westerners are crazy to allow our children to play any sports in such a tundra! With the snow yet to melt completely, the girls began soccer and softball practices this spring donning heavy sweatshirts, stocking caps, and mittens. They were eager to see old friends, learn new skills while perfecting old ones, and to spend a little extra time with their beloved coach...Daddy. Games began in May and the season was in full swing by the time school let out. We managed to squeeze in three weekends of camping into the month of June and one early in July. But our weeknights have been completely occupied with each of the girls' games and practices. It really is amazing to watch their progression as individuals as well as a team. As a parent, I love the friendly banter among parents cheering each other's child on, yelling at the refs for missed calls and the umps for not paying attention, and the gentle camaraderie that develops between teammates. As the last weekend of July approaches, soccer has ended and we are heading into the final softball tournament of the season. I am looking forward to breathing a bit in August and have put all fall registrations off to the side wondering...when will summer start?