Most of the kids are settling into beach life, but all this unstructured time- up close and personal with everyone, isn't always easy for some. One of the kids has been bumping into everyones feelings with all his defensive weapons drawn and giving us all the opportunity to learn to love without expectations.
This is a good place to heal.
One of the reasons our family chooses to go to the Outer Banks in North Carolina is that there isn't a whole lot to do here. No amusement parks or water slides or a board walk with tons of shops.
Just sand and water.
Every day.
Entertainment seems over-rated down here.
Waking up this morning to the sound of waves crashing. Watching the kids running up and down the beach - swimming, digging.
Peaceful and happy.
And nobody loves it more than Elijah with his half a conch shell treasure.
The countdown started 351 days ago....the day we left the beach last year. This morning, after plowing through the month of May, which had about four thousand events, we packed the van and headed out for the beach. Each mile closer to the ocean we got the more I could feel my worries and responsibilities flying out the window.
I'm ready for this vacation- starting with a night time sand crab hunt.
Tonight was Kelly's baby shower and the "sistahs" turned out in full force to ooh and aahh over all the adorable baby outfits and to let Kelly know that her new baby had an army of aunts just waiting to spoil her. I loved listening to them laughing, remembering and reassuring her that they were but a phone call away.
There is a wonderful security in a group of sisters that stretches all the way around your joys and fears and needs.
And on Sunday our 3rd daughter graduated from High School. Molly lives in another part of the state and we traveled a few hours yesterday to celebrate her accomplishment. She hasn't lived with us for many years and her path both to our house and through and out of our home has been difficult for her. Although she hasn't lived with us, we have been behind her every step through her journey into adulthood. Life will not be easy for her and she often chooses paths that make it even more difficult, but yesterday was a testament to her tenacity. Despite moving more times then I can count, often in the middle of a school year, she did the work and accomplished this milestone. You're awesome Molly and we love you!
(Stay tuned when next week our oldest grandson graduates as well.)
Today was amazing, inspiring and perfectly wonderful. We had 12 seniors in our homeschool community and today we had a full out graduation - complete with caps and gowns and "Pomp and Circumstance". Our guest speaker was Elizabeth Smith, wife of Mike Smith, President of H.S.L.D.A.
As each family came up and shared a little about their graduate, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that choosing homeschool was the best thing we could have done for our girls.
AnnaClaire and Grace - we are so proud of you!
Entertainment seems over-rated down here.
And on Sunday our 3rd daughter graduated from High School. Molly lives in another part of the state and we traveled a few hours yesterday to celebrate her accomplishment. She hasn't lived with us for many years and her path both to our house and through and out of our home has been difficult for her. Although she hasn't lived with us, we have been behind her every step through her journey into adulthood. Life will not be easy for her and she often chooses paths that make it even more difficult, but yesterday was a testament to her tenacity. Despite moving more times then I can count, often in the middle of a school year, she did the work and accomplished this milestone. You're awesome Molly and we love you!
