Dearest Nev.

Nev and Paige just before leaving for the Beach Boys concert. 6/12/11

Dearest Nev,

this summer holds so many opportunities for you. I am so glad you are having fun with your cousins. I miss you and Denver does too.

Just remember, whenever your presented with a choice of activities or opportunities, always try to choose the one you have not experienced before, even if it doesn't seems as fun to you as the other.

Sometimes its better to take a chance and experience something new, you will learn so much more that way. The only way to find out more things you like in life is to experience it first:)

I know you will do the right thing.

You chose staying with your cousins instead of basketball camp this week, and it was a wise decision.

It's quality time with them that you will never get back, especially since it will be a year until you see them again. Family is now. basketball can wait.

I hope you decide to attend camp B this year, but you know it is your choice.

do what is in your heart to do.

I love you. I am proud of you. and I trust your decisions.

Come home soon! xoxo

Mama.

~All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.~
Ralph waldo Emerson.

The spirit is there in every boy; it has to be discovered and brought to light.
Robert Baden-Powell

A Bitter Sweet Retreat

its that time of year again. family flies in from wyoming and cousins reunite as if never skipping a beat.

a reunion of smiles that stretch from ear to ear, bear hugs that hurt, and chitter chattering a mile a minute.

the kids live for this occasion.

they call themselves the pibby team. i think that originated one year when they were drinking mr. pibb all at the same time.

all this not only means lots of happy times for the kids but also that they will be leaving me for a few nights here and there throughout the next two weeks. a tradition i dont see myself ever getting used to. its where all the kids stick together at grandma and grandads for an overabundance of buffoonery and spoiling.

straight up pibby team unleashed!

im not used to being without my kids, and summer is always good for stealing them away from me.

boo on summertime. boo i said. booooo.

but i have to let them go. when they look up at you with those bright smiling eyes for your approval, you know the healthiest thing you can do for them is let them go.

thursday stole nev, and friday stole both nev and denver.

this was denvers first time staying overnight anywhere with the exception of the 2 nights he stayed with his grandparents when i had london.

it was the most lonesome night i have ever spent since having kids. i found myself squeezing london in beside me just a tad bit tighter last night. i think she needed that as much as i did though. at least i still had one baby to nestle, so the night wasnt all that bad i guess.

supposedly denver made it through the evening without a word about his mama.

i was even told he went to bed without his pacifier or milk. it might be just me, but i think they're putting me on;)

well regardless, we picked them up today and besides the evidence of a 24 hour growth spurt and red cheeks he seemed to make out okay.

their cousins will be back in town again tomorrow night and i think i even heard mention of another all nighter.
oh dear.
i foresee more long and lonely nights headed straight my way.

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.  There are seven million.  ~Walt Streightiff