Sunday, August 4, 2013

Summer

It's been awhile....
This summer has been running from one adventure to another.  Brief summaries:

Yellowstone road trip highlights include:
the boys becoming Jr. Rangers (Brayden took this very seriously), Amanda's amazing fit at the painted pots being caught on film (seriously, this is the kind of thing you stand in awe of and later say you wish you had caught it...super embarrassing, yes.  However, I think we will laugh at this in years to come - dad's still not there yet) , following a buffalo who wouldn't get off the road for over 45 minutes (apparently "traffic" looks different in Wyoming), visiting Missoula (visiting the ER there, not so much, but the city itself was fine), watching my boys play "chest" as Gavin calls it (chess), the small town parade and fireworks from our balcony, the 15 hour car drive home...though not a highlight, definitely something I am proud the family survived.

Camping at Lake Wenatchee:  with our friends the Eicherts and my family up the road a ways, it was perfect weather, great company and we got to use our brand new tent.  It really was one of the smoothest and relaxing camping trips we've had yet as a family of five.

Bellingham trip to celebrate the 10 year anniversary:  3 nights no kids!  Wahoo!!!!  We ate, we slept and we got to hang out together, just us!!!  So fun.  Great news is that we still have fun together and love to laugh.  Ten years of practicing awesome.

Trip to Seabrook with the family:  My parents rented a house for my sister's and our family.  SO great!  One of those trips that the kids talk about over and over and you look at just knowing they will remember the time...the hammock, the beach, the pool, the putt putt golf, the ice cream, the bumper boats, the smores, the bike rides and the super cool beds built into the walls for each of the kids.  Not to mention, good food, good wine and an amazing family.

And...we're back.  I feel a tad overwhelmed with the e-vites, "back to school" stuff and various projects that seem to be lurking around every corner, but I am ever thankful for the time as a family and the privileges it is to have had so many opportunities this July. 

It has been a challenge to try and remind the kids that they are beyond blessed to have had these chances.  That this isn't a normal summer and they need to be grateful instead of entitled.  I am looking for ways to instill and build this in them.  WOW!  It is hard. 

But still I wouldn't trade it.  I am definitely grateful for the time.  So very blessed.

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