Quality Time

How are you doing today? 

I know the heat is bringing out all kinds of emotions, but the sun also brings people outdoors. Yes, we seek shade and water, but when we stop for iced coffees and ice creams, we see people do the same.

New conversations start up about nothing, which lead to more meaningful ones that mean everything. 

Not only does summer bring people together, but it affords time to enjoy activities too. The kind of hobbies and sports that we don’t normally have time for during the school year, and we get to spend it with those whom we choose to be around.

I don’t have my bio-family in my life any more, but I have my husband’s family and there are a lot of them. I also have many friends, and so I feel blessed that I can spend my vacation with those who matter the most.

Our family live in a different state a whole day’s drive away. Traveling with kids and pets take longer because of the need to stop for rest breaks.

Who are you spending your summer time with? Have you arranged some quality time with your family and friends? Do you play a sport and take part in tournaments?

Summer comes with endless activities and opportunities, but you have to be committed to having a go when you book in advance. I always say to my kids to try new things because until you try something, how can you really know if it’s for you or not? The book “Green Eggs and Ham” by Dr. Seuss is a favorite of ours, and one I use when my kids don’t want to try something. 

How can you know what you like doing if you’ve never tried it?

We’ve had our family drive down to spend time with us for the first time in years. We always travel to their house, but this year, it was our turn to have a “staycation.” 

I got to see my home town with new eyes, through the eyes of a tourist. It was time to enjoy it with our family in a “staycation” style. My in-laws checked out the activities and the tourist attractions before they arrived, and told us what they wanted to see and do.

We all agreed and arranged a schedule (Yes really) to make sure that nobody was left out. Logistics such as parking, equipment needed, food and permits etc was included before we went. 

Some of the places, we had never visited even though we live here. It sounds strange, but when you live somewhere, you don’t go sightseeing because you see it every day. It’s just “that place.”

This past week, I’ve seen places that aren’t new, but ones I’ve never visited. I’ve learned more history of my home town going back years. My kids know some of it from school but it’s so much more fun to go and see things and be immersed in the experience. 

Since we live in a coastal area, we’ve spent a lot of time doing water activities. My kids learned to paddle board in a shallow river with their cousins and they had so much fun, we ended up booking another day. 

Grandad discovered a fondness for “tubing,” and my brothers-in law loved the local arcade that we didn’t know had opened up. My in’laws puppy dog learned to swim for the first time and it brought the whole family into hysterical laughter which spread to other people watching us. 

My oldest boy had a sports tournament, that the whole family could come and see. The pride on his face to “show off,” was my best memory last week.

Who will you be spending the rest of the summer with? How many memories and fun times are in store for you?

Our family is traveling back home, but our summer is not over yet and I have a few little surprises for my boys yet. 

You deserve a break.

My name is Lizzy. I’m a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

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