While it been a busy summer with lots of fun for the kids, its also been a challenging season for me. Mom hasn't gotten much alone time, has driven way too much, dealt with too many episodes with Tyler, and frankly is tired of this hot weather (its been hotter here since May than California....that is just wrong!). I have though really enjoyed my garden and learning what I would do different for next year. It's my first real garden, so I do give myself some grace.
But, summer in our house is mostly about the kids, mom gets a break from homeschooling, we can have some lazy days, stay up way too late and sleep in. What other season can you have all of that! :)
We only got to go on one camping trip up to Nederland this summer. We really had wanted to have more camping trips, but we just couldn't seem to fit it in. We had a good time though camping! It was full of adventure....archery, difficulty putting up the screened porch, rain, 30mph winds, fishing, Tyler melt downs, playing card games, and just plain good ol' family fun!
Tyler went to a day camp for 7 weeks through the city of Boulder. He had a good time with his two awesome counselors and a small group of kids. They were busy each day playing card games, rock climbing, zip lining, gymnastics, swimming, crafts, and horse back riding.
We were home for a week and we then took Tyler up to an overnight special needs camp in the mountains. He spent the week with a one-on-one counselor doing all the things he loves-fishing, archery, zip lining, scavenger hunts, tennis, horse back riding, and no parents!
Abi spent the summer taking karate and gymnastics class at the rec center, helping me in the garden, playing with neighborhood friends, swimming, and learning the gift of playing on her own. She and I also went to our little town's music concerts and our local farms. And thanks to my dad and stepmom, Abi was able to go to horse day camp for a week learning to take care of a horse, leading a horse, barreling, trotting, and going around poles. Horse camp was the highlight of her summer.
And last but not least, Markus and I celebrated our 15 year anniversary. God truly has brought us so far and our marriage is a true testament to His grace and forgiveness. We did go out to a nice dinner on our actual anniversary and he brought be 2 dozen roses. Markus also planned a surprise night away to downtown Denver. We went to an amazing steak house for dinner, visited a bar at the top of the Hyatt (we would go to the top of the Hyatt in San Francisco when we dated), and then had a horse carriage ride around town. I was reminded that day, how important it is for your marriage to reconnect with each other away from kids and to get of town as a couple. We have tried to do this once a year but it always doesn't work out. I encourage you to get away, even for a night, with your spouse once a year. It boosts your connection, helps you stay best friends, and rekindles that romance.
