Suddenly, Last Summer?

What happens to all the plans, the cookouts we never had, the meals on the deck...Getting the family together, canning, making relishes, etc? Again, I have regrets that I didn't make these things happen. How do you all savor moments so the seasons don't just slip by? Any ideas or tips? I seem to reach this point every Summer. I tend to idealize and have expectations that may not be possible, but there has to be some way to not just try to expect some good, fun and memorable times. So what do you all do? I'd really be interested to hear from you all.