This Reminds Me

We called last summer, “The Summer We Stayed Home.” We knew Julia needed time to get used to being part of a family.  Keith and I had to get back to work – he’d used almost all his vacation traveling to Russia, and I’d taken three weeks of unpaid time after we got home.  Plus, of course, there was that little matter of our being broke, with the required trip to Moscow (the most expensive city in the world – really) being sprung on us once we were in-country.

We needed Rachel and/orLois and/or Hannah to be with Julia 24 x 7 last summer – and they were.  No church camp except for Hannah, who was devastated at the thought of missing.  No week for any of them with Sarah or Keith’s folks or our good friends the Edwards.  None of the away-from-home treats they’ve come to expect and enjoy.

This summer – we’re back to normal.  Rachel and Lois return from church youth camp tomorrow.  Hannah leaves for children’s church camp tomorrow, too.  And everybody is looking forward to more Houston time with Sarah, Keith’s parents and the Edwards.  And somewhere in there, we’re squeezing in a week at my friend Konen’s beach house, plus getting Rachel’s wisdom teeth yanked (she only has three – go figure).  Mix in lots of trips to Fiesta Texas and the neighborhood pool and stir.

Somebody’s daddy was pretty glad to see his girls, too…..

I was never more proud of Rachel, Lois and Hannah than I was last summer.

But this summer – I am more than willing to trade in some pride for some fun.

Because when you have a home to start from – “fun” is what summer is all about.