Our first weekend after being back at school was perfect. We kicked it off by attending a 30th surprise birthday bash for one of our church friends at the Johnson’s home. There was a big group of kids, and watching them hide while we waited to yell surprise may have been my favorite part. One had an Easter basket on her head. As soon as we yelled surprise, the kids bolted out the door to finally swim and have fun. There was a zip line which Pete was a huge fan of, and the guys played a couple rounds of wiffleball. As it got dark, the cafe lights strung across the yard turned on, and I took a moment to look around at everyone laughing, eating cake, and enjoying each other’s company. It was the ideal summer night, one you might see in a movie.
Saturday we all sat around like a bump on a log. Tired from the week, everyone laid low, watching movies and playing games. The kids surprised me by making croissants and jam for brunch. Later, Anthony and Danielle brought the kids over and we made tin foil dinners in the fire pit. I held baby Ellie until she fell asleep. Pete and Julianna dressed up as spider man and spider woman, and Jack had on his dinosaur onesie. The kids swam and played games. My mom and dad joined us pretty late, after my dad changed water, and we all talked and laughed until after 10. My family. I love them all so much.
We had good intentions of going to church on Sunday morning, but when we finally rolled out of bed it was after 9! Very weird for us, but apparently much needed, because we all woke up feeling fresh and renewed. Pete knocked on our door this morning and said “Mom, I need to hug you!”. Adrian and I sat in our cozy chairs by the front window and read our bibles and took care of some things. I’m on week three of my Bible study and loving it. Today’s reading was about rest, which was very fitting for this weekend’s slowness.
Once we got dressed, I headed out with the kids to pick the ripe veggies in the garden. We came out with a ton of hot peppers, some tomatoes, onions, and sweet corn. We washed and processed all the veggies, chopped the onions and corn to be used later, and made six batches of hot sauce! Then the boys went outside to play and Ava and I watched her favorite show and ate hersheys chocolate dipped in peanut butter.
Pete came in from outside holding a single hummingbird flower behind his back. He said “Sorry mommy! There are no flowers left!” Then with his sly smile he exclaimed “Just kidding!!” And handed me the flower. I added it to my vase in the kitchen window, already full of flowers from Pete.
Jack and Ava got some materials together and built a fire by themselves outside in the fire pit. After swimming and making lots of s’mores, it was time to come in for baths. The kids settled in with the dogs and watched their favorite shows until dozing off. We’re getting into a better routine of going to bed early to get ready for school. The big kids had already laid out their clothes, and though Jack put together bright red shorts with a neon yellow shirt, I’m going to let it ride because I’m just so proud of him for picking out clothes at all. Plus, he looks cute no matter what.
The Good Stuff 