Summer Break Week 7

Saturday we conquered the heat while a putt-putt course conquered us. By the eighth hole, we decided the score card was too embarrassing to continue but we had a great time, none the less. Erin is dating a golfer. We will not be inviting him along anytime soon.

Saturday night we joined our church family at camp for dinner with the youth. The evening was full of laughter and silliness as one little girl told everyone, "that old lady is still in Kindergarten!" Her momma wasn't nearly as amused as the old lady in question. Goodness, I miss my little friends. But our Kate was in good spirits and had thoroughly enjoyed a ropes course that ended in a zipline that afternoon and is now even more convinced we need a mother daughter zipline date soon. I can't wait to join her in the next adventure.

Nightly games of horse have taken place since the removal of a work truck from their court. 

The cutest little firecracker celebrated the fourth of July calling Pops to cheer, "O-H-I-O" like all other brainwashed Baughman babies before him.

The moon was as impressive as the fireworks in our neighborhood Saturday night but neither photographed well. We enjoyed standing in the driveway together while Makenna camped with Noah's family and Kate camped with the church.

Sunday, Greg spent ten hours smoking a brisket and the older kids gathered for dinner. Layla wasn't the only beggar for samples.  I was able to return to church and it felt amazing to be among friends again. Aiding with transitions in the children's department helps me understand what needs to happen in Kindergarten at the end of the month. I broke a rule and held a hand for a reluctant friend. When then used hand sanitizer. These guidelines are needed but cruel.

Sunday evening, I walked with friends while the boys played basketball in the driveway followed by Mario Kart in the living room. We were happy to have Benjamin back for a few days.

Sunday night was the latest attempt at a "Stay Up All Night Challenge". Greg woke for his workout at three thirty in the morning and found they were still playing. Benjamin, it appears has more skin in this game as Ty simply cannot see past midnight and even that leaves repercussions. So Monday was grumpy for more reasons than the latest air conditioning repair.

I got to pick Kate up from church camp Monday afternoon. It was so good to see her smiling face again. She won awards for being the most competitive and also for the biggest laugh. We have no doubt where either one of those traits originated. Sister is her mother's child. Also, "The life guards were really cute." Sigh. Church camp hasn't changed over the years.

Late that afternoon, our air conditioning was restored just before we fully melted; this final service call the last for awhile, we hope. And then learned a young man we care deeply for lost his battle with drugs in a devastating way. My girls are crushed by the weight of the loss. Lauren struggled with her desire to attend a funeral and grieve with a brother so broken we fear the outcome. In the end, it simply wasn't feasible and she was crushed. God's grace is big enough for this but are hearts open?

Tuesday we returned Benjamin to his family and the took Kate in for her latest orthodontic repair. These visits are growing weary as they occur far too frequently.

Wednesday Kate had her knee adjusted and was fitted for custom orthotic inserts to support her feet and alignment. She dislocated her knee at camp and the swelling and pain was rather significant. We are also in communication with her physical therapist and a surgeon for on-going treatment.

Ty tried hanging out with me while I edited photos late Wednesday night. I didn't have the heart to wake him so he spent the night in our room, curled up into a chair.

Thursday marked our twenty sixth wedding anniversary and we celebrated with gift cards we were gifted in March for Greg's birthday. And then because our delightful children often groan, "get a room" at us, we did. The overnight escape was exactly what we needed as this crazy life we've built together has been a bit much lately.

Friday I had two photo sessions, drove one kid to the airport and another to physical therapy. I then loaded the car for a Georgia vacation we are all anticipating to be full of memory making with our favorite two year old. Look out Baird family, the whole Baughman gang is coming to see you!