We really did do something!

While following this feeling and revelation to accepting this is where we are and where we will be for a while I am bound and determined to stop saying how horrible this time has been. How bad this summer has been. We did no big trips or anything "memorable" by the world's standards of a memorable summer (then again we've never really had a "vacation" anyway), and I'm pretty sure that some of my negativity regarding this summer has rubbed off on my kids.

So here I sit, in the dark, avoiding waking my kids up for school (because frankly the dark quiet is nice right now); thinking back on all that we have seen and done a.) since being here and b.) this summer in general. We are 2 weeks into school now and sadly this week... not as great as last.  To be expected I know but it definitely made it rough on the feelings. We are still missing our groove. The joy and groove that was so perfectly pieced together in that tiny little apartment back home. The one we thought we wanted out of so bad. Ugh, let me tell you it feels like a "grass is greener" kind of topic. Alas here we are and this is where God spoke that he wanted us. Here is where I continue to work on my perspective and find the joy in the everyday.

Here.

So browsing my pictures I will go. Mostly taken with my phone but pictures nonetheless.

Here we go... our summer... from last day of school to our now first day. A nice list of some of my 1000 Gifts I am thankful for getting a chance to enjoy...

*Took our weekly family campout movie night to the back of our vehicle and watched a movie in the car in the park parking lot (the drive-in movie we were planning didn't pan out like we expected so we improvised). It was a ton of fun! 

*Went on a special road trip that ended with a memorable first speeding ticket in years. 

*Attended a photography class

*Lots of pool time

*Softball Camp & Season trophy party

*Attended VBS (3 different ones actually)

*Spent the night in a hotel with friends 

*Went to the Adventures in Odyssey Birthday Bash

*Constructed forts in the hallway and living room

*Built a house and carport with an amazing little 4 yr old while his siblings took a nap

*Lots of naps and snuggles

*A dinner and a swim with dear friends who were passing through on their summer vacation

*Grandpa & Grandma visit laced with a swimming, a picnic, parade, and fireworks

*Checked out a local historical landmark

*Good rain showers

*Caught a magic show at the library

*Enjoyed a picnic at the park just momma and babes

*Rounded up at another local state landmark

*Celebrated 2 birthdays

*Danced in the rain, laid down in the giant puddles and splashed around, and relished in the gorgeous sunset afterwards

*Popped up for a wonderful free outdoor movie night

*Hosted a Best Friends Party

*Soaked up the movie lights of taking our boys to their first ever movie in a theater. 

That is our summer.

In a nutshell.

We really did do something. We really did make memories, despite the crazy parts. We really have been blessed. Beauty and memories happened. Smiles and tears were had. Pictures snapped. I am thankful to have looked back over the weeks and months to count my blessings.

We really did have a great summer.

God is so good!!