Summers End

It is almost impossible to believe that it is the last day of summer, but it is. Tomorrow the boys head off to school...the 11th year we have done this (Michael is a junior). People tell you all the time that time flies, but you simply can't understand how quickly until you experience it yourself. The last two weeks have been a blur too...we've had a new french friend staying with us, Edouard. We've learned to appreciate his world (politics and rugby) and he a bit of ours. We've made it to a soccer match (American) and of course the lake, and he and Michael have gotten a glimpse of the 'real' world as they have worked at Cerner some. When not there, Michael has been at soccer tryouts...he thus far has earned a starting position on the varsity squad. Josh wrapped up his job in early August so he could fully participate in football practice...and make time for a camping trip with a friend. And Daniel of course is always in the mix - making us laugh when he isn't away at the lake with a friend or at practices of his own. As I look back on the summer, I am grateful for all of our health, our ability to think clearly, our friends and family, and our times together. This picture is from our vacation a month ago -one of my most favorite moments when we had finally arrived at a beach that was actually warm enough for shorts and flip-flops...we were finally out of the car and the boys were playing like they did when they were little kids, building a fort together and just horsing around as the sun set over the ocean. Those days are mostly gone, but brief glimpses are still there - if you are paying attention. Blessings abound.