We are savoring every relaxed minute of having Joshua home this week. That doesn’t mean we’re busy and active every minute. On the contrary, we’re almost having a “non-vacation” time. The kids are sleeping in when they can, we’ve had some meals out and some in, we celebrated Daniel,we went to church as a family. It’s not about grand adventures, instead it’s been about living and breathing and just BEING together. It’s been a relaxing, sweet time.
Today the sun returned. Happy Days!! I came home from a walk to find the children (everyone but Daniel who had school) sitting outside. They were perched on lawn chairs and sleeping bags. I grabbed my cook book and sat with them. Joshua may or may not have fallen asleep.
Tim worked from home today, but we were careful not to distract him hardly at all. Joshua and I can’t help it if we have fun things to talk about. Or if Rachel needs to snuggle down for a nap. Or if the sun is heating up the house. Mmmmmmm.
Oldest and youngest boys
David mowed the neighbors lawn. Joshua worked on some summer communications he needed to do. Sarah finished one of her school books. I had two long phone calls and managed to sneak in a walk each time.
It was a good, relaxing, peaceful day. The only two sad things are – Joshua is leaving on Friday night, and Daniel has to work so much this week that he’s not with us much. 
This evening, after everyone had gone off to bed, Daniel said to me, rather wistfully, “I’m sad that Joshua is leaving so soon. I’m going to miss him.”
Me too, me too.
Thank you for spending a week at home, Joshua. And thank you to Tim for flying him home (first class no less – ha).
Project 365 – Day 147
Kathy
Yay for fathers’ tenderness toward his children to upgrade them to 1st class. Yay for siblings enjoying just that being together. Yay for every precious moment, whether watching them play games or *not* fall asleep in the sunshine. Yay for photos to capture the moments. Thanks for sharing!
Who can resist the sun? ?!!! The sun makes everything better. ..and being together is sweetness in itself. ..
Love you Josh! Will miss you when you’re gone
Glad you had the week with Joshua. Those times are precious and they move from “coming home for the summer” to full-on-adult-responsibilities so quickly. I loved your insight here, ” It’s not about grand adventures, instead it’s been about living and breathing and just BEING together. It’s been a relaxing, sweet time.” I always have some options of great adventures and the kids consistently opt to “just be family.” It’s not only parents who miss those idyllic days when all were in the nest.