It is summer. The kids are out and busy as ever. One is married now, that will be moving back to the area next month and I can hardly wait till she gets here. One is in college and keeping herself busier than ever and two are home. Well, sometimes home.
The plan for this summer is lots of outdoor playtime and friends. B got his own tent a while back and has spent countless nights planning backyard "campouts" with the neighborhood boys. They drag the tent from our house to others and they stay up until they are told to be quiet so as not to bother the neighbors who will have to work tomorrow. They play hide and seek, capture the flag and ghost in the graveyard. They laugh and run and eat snacks and make memories that I hope will last a lifetime.
T works as a janitor at the highschool down the street. She works for the month of June and wishes it were longer. She then "hangs out" with friends in the neighborhood She acquired her first cell phone because she can now afford to pay for the service, though she will likely have to save most of her summer money to do so until the next job is available. She and B have swimming passes for the local pool and spend hours swimming and playing with friends. They come home sunned and tired and they sleep well. They are happy and doing exactly what kids should do, I think.
At our house the only video games that they play are a few from "Facebook". We don't own an x-box or any other video game system - on purpose. While I'm sure that the kids think that they will be scarred for life because of it....I'm happy that they seem to be becoming well adjusted without the video game time.
One last summer treat. B and his dad spent a few weeks researching, shopping, finding the best deal, having the cement poured, putting together and then gathering friends to help with the raising of a new basketball standard. It is up. It is adjustable so "dunking" can happen even at 11 years of age for B. There will be plenty of room for growth. Lots of friends stop by to share the fun. I think even T enjoys that the neighborhood boys stop by for a game of lightning occasionally. Again, I hope these are memories that will last a lifetime. I hope the kids look back and remember the fun that they shared through this summertime. I know I'm enjoying watching it.
