I can now officially declare that summer is upon us because last week we had a spell of 48 straight hours in the same pajamas. I mean, we never even got dressed for more than 2 days straight. If that's not on your summer bucket list, you should consider adding it. There was nowhere we had to be and nothing we had to do. And honestly, they've been some of my favorite days.
We made sure we did our chores. We watched TV. We read books. We practiced math. And reading.
And then we came upon everyone's favorite. In my pre-summer planning, along with all those things listed above, I wanted to be sure to schedule in a physical time each day. Sadly, here in Texas during the summer, it's not usually feasible for the kids to run and play outside, we have to get creative.
So pretty much for the past week I've been running my own boot camp and the participants are so eager and willing, it's silly.
I have been awoken most mornings by little faces asking me to please show them that headstand or can we please run laps, please!
What strange little creatures I've made.
We started one morning with sit-ups which led into stretching, bridges, torture, and laps. We always finish with laps.
The path is cleared of all toys and shoes, the stopwatch is set, and the kids take turns running the circle.
The bigs wanted to break 8 seconds. Ava started keeping a log. And then for at least the next 45-90 minutes, rotating through their turns, they speed around the bottom level of the house.
Wednesday was the lucky day. Both Ava and Luke ran the loop in 7.8 seconds. They were so proud!
What is interesting to me is how our home dynamic has morphed over the years. There was a long period of time when we needed outings and plans and dates and appointments. We couldn't just be. Trying to just be always deteriorated into fighting and fits and boredom and chaos. Every single time, without fail, without question.
Now, that still happens occasionally. But its definitely the exception and not the rule. My summer plans exist more as a backup for those exceptions and that is a new, good thing. During the multiple toddler/preschooler years, that need for constant, deliberate movement eased my anxiety and brought me peace, like a baby in a rocking chair. Now, my peace more often comes from quiet moments at home, when the kids actually play with and entertain each other; when I don't feel that I'm pulling people this way and that for ventures unnecessary. And don't get me wrong, there were times when those ventures, however unnecessary, were completely necessary. You dig?
Spending time at home, in our jammies, working, relaxing, and playing, tending to the multiple facets of ourselves, without our world teetering on complete and utter destruction, is a good feeling.
That, and not packing four little bodies into the van just to unload them all and drag them around the store feels good too. Not that I love shopping at night or finding a babysitter, though. I'm thinking someone should really develop a drive through grocery store. I would be first in line!
A number 1 with a gallon of milk, a box of size 2 diapers, apples, carrots, and some turkey please!
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