Today's the day! Today's the day! We're going to Lisa-Lisa's today, today!
The kids and I absolutely LOVE it here at Lisa-Lisa's. Not only are they great friends of the family, but they all welcome us so warmly every year, that we feel completely at ease in their home, a sort of yearly retreat experience we look forward to every summer. Their four kids are of similar ages to mine, and they all get along so very well...like beloved cousins. Without television, video games, or computers to taint their time, the kids spend every single minute of every single day using creativity, imagination, and curiosity to color their days with adventures and fun.
Today began with an indoor ball fight shortly after our arrival, like a mini-bombardment game, team green couch against team blue couch. The smiles on all their faces were so contagious as the many balls zipped through the air. Even little Tubby was getting in on the action! After about 20 minutes, the game was climbing to quite a noisy pitch, so all the kids went outside to explore the massive 80 acre yard. They played with the seven cats, were intrigued by the 42 turkeys, and went hog-wild meeting Ham, the pig. We all were amazed as we are every year by the enormous gardens, bursting with vegetables of all sorts, as well as a vast array of raspberry bushes. The ten tiny plants that were planted only a few years ago, have now spread into one large raspberry patch! 
Her older kids entertained us after dinner with their jump rope tricks. Yes, in the middle of their large, open living room, with vaulted ceiling, is plenty of room for games such as these. They spent over 30 minutes jumping, and teaching some of my kids to attempt the same. Melissa and Jonny were both able to attempt some of the jumping tricks, and Laura was helped by Lisa to do some of the rope twirling. The kids worked up quite an appetite after that, so some giant M&M cookies were in order before heading to bed.
The excitement in the house was almost too much to handle. This is the vacation we wait for all year long. For our 11th year in a row, we are heading up to the center of Minnesota to enjoy five days living with our friends on their farm, and of course to celebrate Watermelon Day with them tomorrow.
I am travelling with my youngest 6 kids....all this summer, they are "My Travelling Six". Anytime I have gone anywhere this summer, these kids are all jumping at the chance to go also. I love it.....I really just love having my kids with me! Seriously! The older two boys are staying home with Daddy, doing teen type things. Alex is attending the Higher Ground Christian music festival today with a friend. His goals were to spend a day enjoying all the great bands, and to get Stellar Kart to sign his Zune. Bob just informed me that Alex's Facebook status indicated that he indeed accomplished those goals! What an incredible musical summer he has been having! Michael has been having a "party" this evening with a friend at home. Daddy will be participating in a golf tourney tomorrow. And with that, we are all accounted for this weekend.
The kids and I absolutely LOVE it here at Lisa-Lisa's. Not only are they great friends of the family, but they all welcome us so warmly every year, that we feel completely at ease in their home, a sort of yearly retreat experience we look forward to every summer. Their four kids are of similar ages to mine, and they all get along so very well...like beloved cousins. Without television, video games, or computers to taint their time, the kids spend every single minute of every single day using creativity, imagination, and curiosity to color their days with adventures and fun. Today began with an indoor ball fight shortly after our arrival, like a mini-bombardment game, team green couch against team blue couch. The smiles on all their faces were so contagious as the many balls zipped through the air. Even little Tubby was getting in on the action! After about 20 minutes, the game was climbing to quite a noisy pitch, so all the kids went outside to explore the massive 80 acre yard. They played with the seven cats, were intrigued by the 42 turkeys, and went hog-wild meeting Ham, the pig. We all were amazed as we are every year by the enormous gardens, bursting with vegetables of all sorts, as well as a vast array of raspberry bushes. The ten tiny plants that were planted only a few years ago, have now spread into one large raspberry patch! Lisa made us a wonderful meal of grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade tomato soup, which she threw together, as we talked. That is part of the retreat experience for me....all the fabulous chatting time we get together and all the incredible, home grown food she prepares for us! It is always so very yummy, and just feels good in your tummy. Organic to the very core of coming right from their own slice of land on this earth. It honestly does not get any better than this!
Her older kids entertained us after dinner with their jump rope tricks. Yes, in the middle of their large, open living room, with vaulted ceiling, is plenty of room for games such as these. They spent over 30 minutes jumping, and teaching some of my kids to attempt the same. Melissa and Jonny were both able to attempt some of the jumping tricks, and Laura was helped by Lisa to do some of the rope twirling. The kids worked up quite an appetite after that, so some giant M&M cookies were in order before heading to bed.Once the kids were all settled in their various sleeping spots, Lisa and I had our big chance to talk....again, a HUGE part of my retreat experience! We stayed up way too late, as we always do (til about 2am, I think), but the conversation is so difficult to end. Talking about our kids, families, homeschooling, food, money(ick), God's plan in our lives, etc, the list could literally go on forever. But we had Watermelon Day to focus on tomorrow, so we decided to do the responsible thing and go to bed....we were going to need a new supply of energy to get through the excitement of tomorrow!
1 comment:
We had lots of fun too! Thanks for faithfully visiting us every year for Watermelon day... it is always a special time. Love you guys!
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