There are lots of sounds associated with summer.
Waves crashing.
Seagulls.
Fireworks.
The ice cream truck.
Early morning birds.
Thunderstorms.
The crack of the bat and the smack of the ball hitting the catcher’s mitt.
There’s even a song of the summer each year.
But I think my favorite sound, and one I just heard (and hence prompted this post), is the sound of kids laughing and playing outside.
Especially once the sun goes down.
I remember 20-25 years ago when our kids would play Hide and Seek or Ghosts in the Graveyard or basketball under a spotlight, and how much fun they seemed to have.
As I sit here now, with our windows open, I can hear another generation of kids doing the same thing.
It’s nice to see some traditions continue, especially at a time when so many things are not like they used to be.
So three cheers to the wonderful sounds of summer.
And don’t ask me what Ghosts in the Graveyard is, I just remember our kids loved playing it…
*image from Pinterest
Awh! Love your sounds and yes kids laughter is always a sweet sound! I remember those summer days of playing til dark then having to wash our feet, for of course we were barefoot. 🙂
And yes memories of my kids playing with their friends!
Did you live close to a graveyard? LOL!
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thanks, Carolyn. And fortunately we do not live close to a graveyard…
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The sound of kids laughing in the evening hours is always refreshing. Unless they’re vandalizing my house.
We never played Ghosts in the Graveyard. We did play something called, Piggy Wants a Wiggle, but I can’t remember the rules. I just remember it was fun.
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Now that is a game I have never heard! We played Kick the Can. 🙂
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there’s a classic game… maybe your elves could play kick the can…
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Thats an idea. 🙂
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come on, they’re just kids… 🙂
I have not heard of Piggy Wants a Wiggle…
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Right, just kids. Kids never do anything mischieveous.
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I never did… 🙂
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Right.
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Well ,maybe once or twice…
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That’s better.
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I am watching a summer’s day dawn here…and remember playing out till after darkness fell. It was always magical to watch the stars come out while it was still warm outside 🙂
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it’s part of what makes summer so great…
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I haven’t heard of ghosts in the graveyard either ours played runouts and football…But the laughter is the same the world over a lovely sound…
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I have not heard of runouts; but yes, laughter is universal…
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Fun post Jim. I was cutting grass last week while the twins from next door were throwing a softball around in the court. I could hear them and the sound of the ball hitting a mitt over the sound of the mower. Their joy made my chore easier. I haven’t heard or seen an ice cream truck in years. That would be a nice sound to hear.
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I forgot about the sound of a lawnmower! And every ice cream truck seems to play the same jingle…
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A lawnmower isn’t such a fun sound compared to the other ones you mentioned. I do remember the very pleasant jingle the Mr. Softee ice cream truck played.
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I don’t mind the sound of a lawnmower, as long as it’s not mine!
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Our ice cream truck is still doing the rounds which I suppose seeing kids aren’t in school, makes sense.
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good to know that there are ice cream trucks around the world!
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The sound of children laughing and having fun never gets old, especially on a summer night when they can stay outside and play longer.
I wish I were there to set the scene. “Great news, kids. You’ve just given me a great idea for my blog! Ice cream for everyone!” 😜
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and from the kids’ perspective, “What’s that old guy doing looking out his front door?”
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I have a baseball field and small playground behind the house. I have yet too hear those lovely sounds of kids playing like I used to. That sound alone would make me feel like things were returning to normal a bit. I used to be able to hear bats ringing with each hit as they practiced almost every evening. Great post, Jim! It delivers a sense of youthful joy all of us are missing!
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thanks, Brad! hopefully there will be sounds coming from that playground sooner rather than later…
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I can only imagine Playing Hide ‘n Seek these days… kids using the GPS on their smartphones to find each other. 😊
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or call someone’s cell phone to see if it rings…
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I agree with you about the sound of children laughing and playing, Jim. It’s the best.
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and you are around it all the time – lucky you!
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Some of the time. I used to be most of the time. I’m not in the classroom any more.
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I’m sure you have lots of good memories of those times in the classroom!
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I do, Jim. Wonderful memories. Such fun and so rewarding.
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All together now: “ch-ch-ch In the summertime…”
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good old Mungo Jerry!
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Just planting the earworm 😉
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I so agree! Love watching and listening to the neighbor kids running around, giggling and laughing. My first grand baby is due on Aug 24th. Can’t wait until next summer when she visits I can hear her laughing and giggling as she runs around the yard!! Oh.. the ice cream truck is a close second!!
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How exciting about your first grand baby. Our first boy was born on August 25, nearly 38 years ago!
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Sounds like August is a good month for birthdays!
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We think so!
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Nice one, Jim.
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Thanks, Peter!
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i absolutely and utterly could not agree more.
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I always hear my neighbours kids playing outside and it’s so sweet!
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It is a such a sweet sound!
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Swept away. Wonderful post Jim.
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Thanks, David!
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Thanks Jim! I am reminded of my own childhood and the fun summer nights.
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I think many of us have those same old childhood memories of carefree summer nights…
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Very well said! Beautiful post – I’m reminded of the sounds and sights of my childhood summer nights!
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thank you, Leif!
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