My sis and I had fun watching our kids run around in the yard we grew up in, rolling in the grass and splashing around in the kiddie pool. I've always wanted to take my kids to my old home during summer (usually we're there when it's cold), so they could enjoy the warm dry air (not like humid summers in Chicago), the ice-cream truck that drives down the street in the late afternoon, the pink and purple sunsets filling the sky, walking along the Columbia River, and fun times like the local county fair where I showed a sheep many summers ago.
We had an incredible time. It was wonderful to see my parents, grandparents, cousins and some old friends. We rode our bikes the five blocks to the school I attended for first through tenth grades where my mom still works. They've purchased additional land and have a new daycare building, but they still have the tall old swings where you go up so high you feel like you might not come down.
It was such a fun trip, but after day fifteen, I was tired from single-parenting (Mike is a huge help with the kids), and exhausted from staying up late watching movies or just talking after all five kids were finally in bed. After our long day of flying, we were all so happy to be reunited with Mike at the airport, that a complete stranger asked if they could take a picture of us because we looked so happy!
I noticed something funny after I got home this time. Usually, when I return home from a trip, I'm eager to unpack my belongings and put my suitcases away quickly so I can jump back into normal life. What I realized is that these homecomings are different. When I return from Washington, my bags lay open on the floor and I continue to live out of them for days, almost dreading to unpack and acknowledge an end to those fun moments, to wonderful memories of the past, playing everyday with my sister.
Coming home to Chicago is a reminder of something different. Instead of the sunny, warm memories I'm trying to re-live through my children (ha, ha), I am greeted with the beautiful life God has blessed me with here and the future we have together, a wonderful, loving husband and my two hilarious, active, hungry, snuggly boys. I'm just so excited to keep creating memories for them, that will make them enjoy coming home, for years to come.
Here are a few fun moments from our trip!
Right after arriving, we met up with my cousin and her 3 boys at Taco Time in Spokane.
Then we stopped by the house my sister is building. I had been dying to see it, and have been helping her make house-related decisions. It's almost done!
Lately, Max always has something in his mouth. Apparently, even when he's sleeping.
An Ice-cream truck treat after swimming.
Have you noticed I have very few pictures of Mason? He's always out playing somewhere!
The kids loved going out to swim in the pool any time they wanted, multiple times throughout the day.
All dressed up for church!
We had a birthday party for one of my nieces while we were there.
Happy 5th birthday! It was a Luau party. The cake was a beach, with horses, as requested by the birthday girl.
The birthday princess.
Big sister lost her 3rd tooth, a top one!
It's hard to beat a warm summer evening.
I can't believe this girl is 6 1/2 already!
The big 5 year-old.
My little Max, 2 1/2, wearing his favorite shirt.
Pizza at the fair, anyone?
How about some gigantic yellow balloons?
Did you ever stare in awe at the fair rides?
Max makes garlic bread. :)
Max trying to keep up with Uncle Troy.
Sweet little baby!
Reunited!
I hope you've spent some time with those you love this summer, too!
