If I had to pick the quintessential week of summer 2008, this first full week of August may have been it. Tuesday after a family visit to the dentist, I took the kids to Kelmgard Park where we hid from the heat under the giant picnic pavilion. The boys jumped on the picnic table and ripped off their shirts announcing themselves as the "Naked Brothers Band." I thoroughly enjoyed the awesome airband concert. Later we played Swiss Family Robinson and pretended we were in a fabulous tree house. Our most entertaining moments came from watching Marcos drink from the fountain where he got sopping wet amid squeals of pleasure.
Wednesday I discovered how much work can be accomplished with a continual supply of frozen OtterPops. We cleaned up both the attic and the garage, did a school clothes inventory and with an acknowledging nod to the fast approaching school year, went to the Pharmacy to pick up school supplies. Our total was over $75.00 (any price is worth not having to go to Walmart), so Michelle, our gracious Pharmacy owner, gave us a rebate that covered ice cream cones.
Thursday we headed to Spokane for a complimentary day at Riverfront Park thanks to some Physician Group Tony belongs to. I prefered the Imax movie about Lewis and Clark to the rides that gave me whiplash and nausea. At Max's request we rode the Riverfront Park train which took us straight to the donut shop and snowcone shack--heaven for Cooper. Marcos loved playing in the big fountain and we ended the day with a ride on the carousel. The whole day felt unhurried and unscheduled. My DNA allows me to relax so much more when someone else is footing the bill--it can't be helped.
Friday I left the little kids at home and Cooper, Wilson and I took our bikes to the trail of the Coeur de Lanes. The minute my bike tire hit the trail a flood of some of my happiest memories came rushing through my head. On the trail, I am in heaven. My friends Shannon and Kevin and I rode with 9 kids to Harrison where we enjoyed giant melting ice cream cones. The biggest difference between riding with a group of scouts and a group of biker chic moms is the quality of the bikes. A couple of kids lost their ball bearings, very few bikes were the right size for the riders and our little group was a caucophany of screeching brakes when we came to a stop. I was sure grateful for Lola's (my bike) sweet ride. The kids did great despite the heat and were really good sports.
The kids were worn out when we got home, so Tony and I let them relax in front of a movie while we grabbed the boat and ran for the lake. We were the only boat on beautiful Rock Lake, where the water and air temperature were indistinguishable . It was a great night for skiing and skinny dipping :) Just as we pulled the boat on the trailer, great black clouds filled the sky and the lightning and thunder started. We had dinner on the porch with the kids and watched a fantastic summer storm. We ended the night watching the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic games. The performances were unprecedented, but I couldn't help feeling like all the show and glamour hid the Chinese reality.
Saturday morning I taught a class at the single's conference and got back in time to head to the lake again with the Workmans. It was too choppy to ski, but it felt so good just to fish and swim and wake-skate to cool off. I made Eliza try belly boarding on the wake skate even though I knew she was terrified. I want so badly for Eliza not to fear everything like I do. I want her to take risks. Woosiness is the character trait I least wish to pass on to my kids.
Today Wilson gave his first talk in Sacrament Meeting. He did a very nice job and I didn't have a single part of it. He shared scriptures, personal experiences and testimony without being silly. In addition to non-woosiness, I desperately wish for my kids to be confident and have an ability to speak articulately in public.
I am anxious to post about our wonderful annual vacation with Hainsworths and Hughes at the lake, but I need to pictures to do it all justice. For now I'll use the same cliche phrase I use with every vacation with our dear friends--it was our best year yet!
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