Summer Break, the Final Week

Makenna turned 21 this weekend in Pennsylvania where Noah was testing for a leading fire department. He wanted to insure she would be comfortable living there if he makes the cut. He has a few irons in the fire so we still aren't sure where they will finally land. The processes with the different departments vary so we don't yet have a timeline for wedding plans. My life motto, "it will be what it will be" is ringing as true as ever. They returned home Monday evening and had her requested breakfast for dinner with mimosas. 

Kate and I had vision exams where we both required new prescriptions; hers lower, mine stronger. I got three years out of my first pair of lenses, so I can't complain. But the $800 price tag for two pair on the same day hurt. 

A big summer goal was achieved. And Kristin was in charge of a tangible reward. So I have a cup I can use in my new office space. 

I learned when I opened the mail on Monday my summer was suddenly shorter. As it turns out, my new gig started earlier than expected. I managed to squeeze in a staff meeting, a phone call with my new boss to set up accounts with the new school system and finalize appointments before the day wrapped. I needed some processing time but wasn't afforded it until after I spoke to my new principal. "Talk to me like I'm a new employee who doesn't know anything because as it turns out, I am a new employee who doesn't know anything about your school and it's process." We are so familiar with each other, he just assumed I was in the loop. We are on track again. For now. Fingers crossed the teachers are excellent communicators. 

When they called her name, she was disappointed. Crayons had just returned to the office after a covid related hiatus and she needed to finish her picture. She is sixteen and sometimes six.

Tuesday, we squeezed in a doctor's appointment,  several phone calls, tea with a friend in need and errands. Makenna invited Ty along for a playdate to the trampoline park while I tackled Costco one last time before my schedule gets crazy. Or crazier, it seems.

Wednesday I had my first introduction to my new position and am a little stunned by the changes. Life will be different for awhile but on the surface, it appears to be less intense than my previous role. Time will tell but learning I have a place to land every day that is just my own was a bit of a pleasant surprise. I also accompanied Ava to Camp Kindergarten as emotional support for her mom. I'm proud of us all. No one cried. As Ava gave hugs and kisses, she firmly directed that no one was to go to Target without her. I love that kid.

I made a friend Wednesday evening. This sweet bunny ran out of the neighbor's yard when the lawn mower started and sat watching me for quite awhile. I eventually started talking to it, as one does when she is used to speaking to people who don't actually listen. I eventually went in for my camera. I kept creeping closer for shots and the bunny was unconcerned. I never reached out to touch it but think it may have allowed the invasion had I tried.

Thursday morning, I had an appointment so Anne took Kate and Lincoln to the high school to locate their classes and lockers. Rumor has it their schedules could be changing when they arrive on the first day, but they wanted to be somewhat prepared, none the less. However, while there, Anne was sending me photos. The first one was a flashback. Kate reports Anne thought it would be fun to make me cry and Kate excitedly exclaimed, "Oh! That's my favorite game! And it has been so easy to do lately." Please note, Kate is the sweet one. I'm exhausted. 

Our trip to Kristin's was the last item we will accomplish before school resumes next week. We are placing fishing, canoeing and the zoo on our fall break bucket list because the weather will be more conducive. But we enjoyed dinner, lounging around talking and a hike I recalled from our old stomping grounds with Kristin's family. It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful summer vacation. 

No matter where we may be, this child is not a morning person. 

The children really do love each other. Sigh.

This evening, co-workers took Makenna out to celebrate her birthday and engagement. Kate enjoyed her first high school football game and we dined on the patio alone. Ty was delighted to have dinner in his room so we could enjoy a "date" together. We are all easy to please.

Summer Break Week Eight

Saturday and Sunday were spent on different lakes. We kicked off the weekend as a small family of four at Deam Lake where we'd hoped to rent a canoe for the afternoon to paddle across the lake for a quiet picnic. It was a busy day at the lake and all the rentals were taken when we arrived. Plan B involved a not so private picnic and swimming. It was a good day, none the less. But it was the twenty-first anniversary of Greg's accident and the need to spend that day doing something fun and low-key was imperative. 

Sunday I slipped away for a retreat day at Lana's lake house. Our Bible study group has been meeting for about eight years now and decided to spend some more quality time together appreciating the amazing views and the impact of our friendship. 

Monday, as we prepared to tackle a road trip for our favorite summer bucket list item, we recieved word the kid's youth group leader had fallen twenty feet off a ladder as he decended from fighting a house fire. I was devestated as we awaited news of his injuries. All those painful memories from Greg's accident hit me and I was unable to contain the grief that consumed the remainder of the day. As it turns out, I was too busy navigating a lot of life in those days and pushed through it all like a bull in a China shop. I didn't have time to process the pain and loss then. Our friend miraculously only shattered one leg. He spent a few days in the hospital and of course, required surgery to repair all his broken bones. He is home with his family and on the mend physically. We are praying for him and his future as a firefighter. But it took learning he was okay for me to pull myself together and if I'm being honest, my meltdown had little to do with him. It was an awakening I believe I've needed. I suppress a lot in my world to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I have somehow determined it is my responsibility to make sure everyone else is taken care of and keep peace. I tend to lose myself in that process. 

So our favorite summer bucket list item has been checked. Erin, Kate, Ty and I drove to Georgia on Tuesday. We devoured time with Lauren, Taylor and Austin. We spent lazy days at the pool, ate entirely too much, visited a park and indulged in quite a bit of imaginary play. 

Austin loves "mustard" on his brownies. Everyone else calls it whipped cream. Everyone else is wrong. 

This painful looking smile took place when he realized he was making a volcano and not slime. There was a miscommunication when he requested a science experiment with his daddy. 

During our road trip, we hit a torrential down pour with standing water across unknown roadways. Fortunately we were able to see other cars driving through the floods so we knew we could safely cross but it was intense. Kate, in a show of support for Erin's driving, started belting Jesus Take The Wheel. 

Erin interviewed for grad school in Lauren's bathtub, the only quiet location in the house. She felt great about her zoom meeting and hopes to hear about admissions soon. We love how she rolls with the punches and can adapt to any setting. 

Our final night is bittersweet. It always is. We had a pizza party at the neighborhood pool and the watched the new Space Jam movie. Austin discovered a toy in the wrong bin after we'd spent the afternoon organizing his playroom and he interrogated everyone until his dad confessed. The lecture that followed sounded remarkably like something his mom would have said if she weren't busy laughing. The boy is delightfully like his mom and I love watching them all in action. 

We are heading out early in the morning and whereas we miss Greg and want our own beds back, leaving this little family behind is anything but easy. We love them big.