The summer began in it's usual way, swim team started the day after Memorial Day. I felt great excitement at the start of the season, looking forward to the distraction from the hellish work load that was weighing me down. The pool brought joy and light to the afternoons. The coaches had all returned, so my kids were almost as thrilled as I was. Friends returned with their darlings as well, so conversations picked right up as if ten months hadn't passed. Joy, pure unadulterated joy was what I felt sitting there, watching practice.
I wrapped up another craptacular school year, with a little pep in my step, knowing I didn't have to return to that building in the fall. I was also so excited to see the 24th of June because for Mother's Day, Dear had surprised me with a ticket to fly out and see my brother, his wife, and their children. With a spring in my step, I bid adieu on the 23rd, flew out at the ass crack of dawn the 24th, and stayed in the lovely Southern California home of my brother and his wife. A week there, not being a parent and just enjoying being an aunt, was just the recharge I needed. I was very ready to return on the 3rd of July to my loony tunes.
I stepped right back into the swing of things on that Tuesday, the 5th of July. Swim practice X 2, staying at the pool to play for a bit after Peanut's practice, before coming home to the afternoon routine of showers, playing with friends, and starting dinner. While in Southern California, an email was sent letting the swim team know that the coaches, all 4 of them, would be retiring at the end of the season. I was flabbergasted, sad, happy for them, and ready to just enjoy the time we had left with them. The weeks flew by. I was not ready to end this season. It was too much change. However, knowing that I could keep in touch through social media, and still see them, brought some serenity to saying good bye. I love all four of those women. They are outstanding people, inside, out and within their families.
The beach trip immediately followed Divisionals. The three of us piled into the van, drove south, then north, arriving at the beach house with my parents. A week with them, my two children, with just me to run interference and not fall off the deep end. I was thrilled. I couldn't wait for the next 7 days to pass like wildfire. Father Time clearly did not share this same sentiment, as there were days when it felt like time was moving like molasses in the Antarctic. My parents are lovely people, truly they are. They are just a WEE bit on the narcissistic side of life. It is scary though I quickly I regress in their presence; returning to the child who anticipates their every move, how to prevent things from going awry, and keeping their anger from boiling over at my children. As a successful coping strategy, I took the children to the beach at least once a day, made sure we got out of the house with or without them, and worked hard to keep everybody happy. The real relief came when our favorite cousins arrived, with their mom, to spend three days with us. Entertainment for the children and me; I'd call that a win win situation :)
I forgot how quickly the structure of the summer falls away once swim team is done. I've tried to fill the time with fun activities, time with friends, and some down time. I am sure I haven't done quite enough, but I've done more than previous summers, so it's an improvement. The children have survived. They should make it to start school on Monday morning ;0) My Dear has been amazing this summer. He really has made everything possible. I'm excited and nervous about beginning at a new school. I'll have to get to know people all over again and figure out routines. Maybe I'll just meld right in...hahaha. So, cheers to new beginnings, the best of friends, and pumpkin season coming really soon!
