My boys are loving summer. Thanks in part to our new fenced backyard with the play set, the sunroom/playroom and the pool, we have essentially created a fun zone that is all our own. It is an amazing thing to watch my boys run and tumble and throw and kick and swim and laugh. Lots and lots of laughs!
Swimming is a family adventure. I think I love it the most. At the end of the work day I rush down the stairs and put on my swimsuit and run out the door into the sun. Instantly I am refreshed. Fast walking, but never running, to the edge of the deep end of the pool I yell “Count me down” and Brenton yells “One, two, three” and I dive in and swim to meet him at the shallow end ladder when I grab him and bring him in with me. Then Rolston brings Emerson to me and I put him in his floaty and pull him as I run in circles in the shallow end. Rolston stand by the edge as we all yell “Go daddy, jump” and “One, two, three” over and over until he finally jumps in. He and I take turns minding Emerson and swimming with Brenton. There are rafts and splashes and water guns for all of us to enjoy.
When we get too cold or too pruney we emerge from the water towels waiting for us warm from the sun. We take our seats in the play yard and I open the bubbles. Blowing bubbles and drying in the warmth of the sun as the boys yell and run in the grass trying to catch the glistening spheres of joy.
Usually Rolston leaves us to go grab whatever item goes on the grill that night. We all love his grilled chicken thighs. Marinated simply in Italian dressing overnight they end up tender and delicious paired with some fruit or a salad. Summer dinner is the best dinner.
We have more than enough to make us happy in our own backyard, but as summer break emerges into far too much down time, the need for a few scheduled activities becomes clear. We thought long and hard and then found it. T-ball!
Brenton began t-ball this week as part of the summer fun schedule. He is far from the best player on the team, but he sure does love it. In fact when we went to purchase his glove he was so excited he decided he wanted to stay in the sporting goods store. He basically had a huge fit in the parking lot because well let’s face it to a child only the toy store is a better place to hang out. So in the car he wore the glove. When we got home of course I could not remove the glove from his hand. The clear decision was he must nap with it on.
The day of the first practice it was a scorcher and he proudly put on his new team shirt and hat. He paraded like a peacock ready to start this thing. This meant that the moment practice started he decided to come and sit with me. Once I coaxed him to field some grounders he was hooked and I backed away quietly as he joined the fray. He ran to me on water breaks all sweaty and smiley. He called out “Watch me mommy” and shrieked with excitement when he ran the bases.
There is nothing more powerful than the joy and energy of a child doing something they love. It swept me up in the excitement. I felt lucky to be a part of it.
When we got home we headed right for the pool and he counted me down “One, two, three”. It was a hot day and it was refreshing. We swam and he giggled when I asked him if he liked t-ball he looked at me with a huge smile and said “yes mommy”. I knew he meant it. He has been practicing batting and throwing and catching the ball.
Emerson gets in on the action. One day he will likely play t-ball too. He seems to have a natural athletic ability. Throwing and kicking came early for him just like walking and climbing. In summer he can be outside and run until he cannot run anymore. Or eat rocks…yes I said eat rocks. We have to be very careful with our Big Beefy boy because he really likes to try to eat rocks. So far we have stopped him, but I do worry one day he might actually do it. His spirit at times reminds me of our amazing family dog Dutch who passed away before the kids were born. They are both incredibly cool and funny, brutishly strong, extremely social, very intelligent, flirtatious and charming. The funny thing is Dutch also liked to eat rocks too.
It is not always laughter and smiles. Sometimes there are tears when they fall, when a bubble pops, when it’s time to get out of the pool, or worse when it’s time to finally go inside for the night. Still there is nothing better than the simple life of summer. The time outside soaking in the togetherness in the sun is the best time. Sometimes we do this with friends which makes it even better. We are lucky to have so much summer fun!
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