Relax

At the end of a long year comes this:

We work hard from August through early May with our regular jobs and all the volunteer positions we hold: Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, American Heritage Girls, church, our homeschool support group.

Our kids work hard, too. Our oldest son got home a few days ago from his first year in college. His grades were posted last night, and he finished his freshman year with a 3.67. We're really, really proud of him.

The younger kids have spent their lives going with us when we volunteer in various ways. For 8 years, they have gone with me to Scout meetings 2 hours early so that we can set up, have meetings, etc. This is the life they know. They've never, ever said, "Do I have to go?"

It's so nice, after all the classes, activities, ceremonies and other closing events are over, to be able to take a few days just to relax, all by ourselves, just our little family and the ocean.

Sun, sand, salt, seafood. Catching lizards and lounging. Hot tub and a promise of key lime pie. Taking some long, deep breaths, grateful for another year and the gift of vacation.

Linked up with Amy's Finer Things Friday