first summer day

Yesterday was what I consider to be the first day of true summer, meaning no vacation, no camp, no traveling. Just me and the kids at home. I ran. We pulled weeds, biked to the canal where ducks were traumatized, then swimming, cleaning, reading, math and writing homework, movie, nap, lunch with daddy, sewing sock puppets, fort making, cleaning again, painting, browsing family pictures and reminiscing, interspersed with spontaneous dance parties….and I’m wondering whether I will survive another month of summer break. As a wise woman once told me, “they grow up so fast, but some days not fast enough.”

A highlight: Elijah did a full airborne flip into the pool. I put the fear of death into him and he did it no more.

A comment: There’s nothing like Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons that makes me want to put my fist through the wall. “Easy” should be replaced by “Sadistic.” Claire might be slightly easier than Elijah, but that’s not saying much. He got about a dozen sadistic lessons (the last one ended in tears from both parties) and then we went to Bob Books which was much better for him. We are on sadistic lesson #11 with the girl. No crying yet, but I feel it coming (from me mostly).

Love my kids! Despite the craziness, there are so many sweet moments. The hugs, snuggles, laughs, the imaginations gone wild. They might turn out alright after-all. With faith. Lots of it.