Summer Fades into Fall

 It's hard to believe that we're in the midst of a long farewell to summer.  The kiddos don't start back to school until after Labor Day but today began the process of wrapping up a summer for the record books.  I begin teaching again tomorrow after closing out the weirdest Spring semester ever.  Today was a pretty good last 'real' day of summer break.  I have to admit, I'm not certain if it's just the realization that we're concluding break that gave space to have so many highlights or if it was truly just an outstanding day, but whatever it was we had some real highs.  

I know the summer hasn't been easy on many folks and I think we've had it better than many.  That being said, the kiddos (Jamesey in particular) have had a rough July and early August.  But today - today pushed some of that into the background.  We've been concerned about some regression for everyone (and we've seen so much heightened emotion as people cope) but for Jamesey the challenges of the last few months seem to have really surfaced in his sleep patterns and in discontentment with daily life.  Favorite activities have lost their luster and we've seen some lethargy but today offered a chance for some pool time and some opportunities to enjoy some extra Vitamin D.  The unexpected gift came after we had been at the pool about an hour.  The other rascals were enjoying playfully pushing one another in and you could see that Jamesey had been engaged in watching them from his favorite spot on the steps in the shallow end.  After a time, he made his way over to me and took me by the hand, led me to the side of the pool and then stepped behind me.  I wasn't sure what to expect but a gentle nudge at my back that pushed me into the water followed by giggles wasn't it! It was one of the first times I've seen him mimic and engage in this manner and it happened a second time as well!  The water was brisk but it was such a refreshing moment!

I know my tendency can be to miss the small sweet things that the other rascals bring to our family and it's a goal to feature the ways that they make us smile and occasionally sweat too!  This morning I decided to attempt a workout.  Anna has taken to joining me or to watching and offering commentary.  This morning she sat near me and informed me that today she would be my "encouragement specialist" - and I love that! She has such a heart for lifting others up ---and I want to see that continue and be developed further.  

It's time to sign off from here and head to bed because class time will be here before my groggy head feels ready.  Cheers to summer weather sticking around a little longer but also to embracing all the seasons and all the things.  Side note - David and Elizabeth are also doing well.  More about them later!