Exhausting, yet productive and even pleasant, our first week of school is now behind us. Yet memories of our summer respite remain fresh in our minds.
Perhaps the most precious times were the individual dates I took with each of my little men. This one-on-one time, which always included some yummy sweet treat, allowed me to focus on each of my guys without the distraction of telephones, internet, cleaning, cooking, or sibling squabbles. Even though they are getting older, they still love dates with their mom, which delights me immensely!
Of course, my husband was not neglected in the dating department. While some of our favorite times together included watching movies at home with peanut butter milkshakes which Mike so excellently prepares, we also enjoyed a breakfast date at a local donut shop and an evening out for dinner and shopping.
Zachary had his own date of sorts – an afternoon with his beloved Sunday school teacher from his Kindergarten days. Mrs. Laura, who is in her 80s, welcomed his presence for an afternoon spent exploring her yard and neighborhood, which on that day included four donkeys, nine dogs, six chickens, two butterflies, and one happy little boy!
Nicholas enjoyed a week-long “date” with his grandparents this summer. Admittedly, I dreaded this week more than a trip to the dentist. Giving up a son for seven days is not easy for me. While I trust my parents completely, all sorts of fears popped into my mind.
Yet both Nicholas and my parents eagerly anticipated this week, and despite my selfish desire to lock my middle son in our house, I was grateful for the opportunity they would have to spend time together.
Furthermore, I know that Nicholas is not just my son. He is their grandson, and more importantly, he is God’s child. Mike and I are blessed with the assignment of loving and raising our children to the best of our abilities. Yet God always watches over and takes cares of them, even in our absence.
With that knowledge, I let Nicholas go with only a few tears, trusting him not only to my parents, but even more to the Lord. Nicholas had a fantastic time and continues to report details to us of his memorable, fun-filled trip.
The boys excitedly participated in a week of Runner’s Camp during the break. Brandon and Zachary claimed long distance running as their preference, while Nicholas thrived in sprinting races.
Other summer break activities included multiple trips to multiple pools, vegetables harvested from our garden, numerous walks and bike rides around the neighborhood, a local baseball game, a drive-in movie, time with friends, and lots of reading, which will be discussed soon in a separate blog.
Aside from a day trip to meet my parents for shopping, birthday celebrating (Brandon, my dad, and me), and handing off Nicholas, we did not travel during our school break. However, we have literally been counting down the days until our upcoming vacation to Disney World which will not only officially wrap up the summer season, but also celebrate a successful beginning to our new school year.
“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1
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