Ahhhhh August. So bitter sweet. After weeks of traveling and getting things done around the house, this is when summer really kicks in for me, but then I see the end in sight and panic. I know I shouldn't complain.... I mean, I have about 3/4 of the month off, but it carries with it an element of chaos. John dives deep into prepping for Wilderness TREK, training the leaders, and then as incident commander and master of ceremonies for the week that students are out in the field. I start to think about the upcoming school year, but do nothing about it...... it's the same old feeling every year.
This year, we got to break up John's TREK chaos with our dear friend's Adam and Colleen's wedding. This was such a fun event. We got to hang out with so many of our adult friends with no child care worries because Uncle Tom and Aunt Cara had it all under control with the kids (even though they did get to see what happens when you keep our No Nap Nelly up late-- it's not pretty, sorry Scotty).
Cal, Hazen and I went on a little road trip to CT again this year to visit the two sets of grandparents and some cousins while John was in the thick of leader training. Just when we were getting back into our groove at home, I sort of wondered why I was uprooting everything to travel again........ But, it's always nice to see family.
We were treated to good food, fun company, a few field trips-- to a nature center and children's museum.
 |
| Hazen and Bumpa checking out bunnies |
 |
| Tractor Rider |
 |
| Checking out the enormous toe biting pig at the Nature Center |
 |
| Dance Party with Grandma |
 |
| West Hartford Children's Museum |
 |
| Cal swinging like a Chimpanze at the Children's Museum |
 |
| Picking flowers with Nana |
After our visit to Connecticut, we got to have a lunch date and hike with my cousin Lindsay and her husband Silas and then caught up with Bo, Gretchen, Henry, and Lila for the Farmer's Market in Richmond.
In other news, Cal managed to trip and smack her nose on the coffee table. There was lots of blood and swelling, but as she has proved to be in the past, she was seriously brave about the whole thing.
And so the summer, as I know it, ends. We've had lots of popsicles, swim lessons, walks, and playground visits. I love that I have this time with my kids. It's going to be really hard to break away from this unit. I love my job and I know I'll love being back once it's all happening, but right now, I'm feeling pretty sad about having to break away from lazy mornings, unscheduled days, and having time to get things done around the house. I cherish my summers, but look forward to cooler days, frost on the pumpkin, apple picking, and snow, lots and lots of fluffy white snow.
