The Last Week of Vacation

 We didn't do anything spectacular during the kids' summer break because all of our extra money is going toward our Hong Kong trip.  Instead, we did what we did last year.  The kids helped me make a bucket list and we almost completed it.  We went exploring at new parks, tried new foods, bought new books, played outside a ton, went to the dollar movies a few times, played in the stream, and ate an unhealthy amount of ice cream.  All of these things made a pretty great and simple summer (which is always something I appreciate when I have a bajillion birthdays to plan within 1 month...)

Last Sunday we got to talking to one of our neighbors right when it was the kids' bedtime.  Then we ended up talking to another neighbor.  And then another until we realized it was 9 and the kids had still not been put in bed.  They asked if they could have a sibling sleepover.  I thought that was a fantastic idea since we're never going to do sleepovers with friends.  We let them go on a short walk with us outside so they could stargaze a little bit.  When we got home they all excitedly brought down their bedding and I thought we'd hear them running around the downstairs all night long, but I didn't hear a peep once Ben and I went up to bed.  A half hour later I came down to check on them and discovered them all passed out.

Then 1:30 hit and Thad started crying because he was so confused about where he was and what was happening.  I put him in his crib and he slept in until 8 or 8:30 -- a miracle in the Macbeth home!

On Friday we surprised the kids with 2 other things from their bucket list: Making dinner in the firepit and then camping in the back yard.  They were so excited.  I love how they love the simplest things.  I mean, how many times can you possibly ask, "Can I help Daddy set up the tent?  When is he setting up the tent?  Can I help?  Is it time to make dinner yet?  Can I change into my jammies yet?  Can I help Daddy set up the tent?"

"It's 4 PM Lily."

Thad and I both slept inside because 1- I didn't want a repeat of his experience during the sleepover, and 2- we both had bad colds.  When I saw the kids the next morning I asked them how the night went and they were all so excited to tell me that it was so awesome, that Ella kept them up for forever because she's a natural party animal, and that there were mosquitoes in the tent all night!  So exciting!!!

Tomorrow we have our first day of homeschooling.  I have been waiting for this day for a long, long time.  It is a bittersweet thing.  Overall, I know that this is one of the biggest blessings I can give my children, but naturally it is hard to make some of the sacrifices.  Knowing that I will never have the house to myself until I'm an empty nester somewhat haunts me.  But Ben and I both know that this is right and I just pray that we will all adjust well.

Tonight we did back to school Father's Blessings.  Not only did Lily and Skyler get them, but also Ella and Thad insisted on them too.  They were all sweet and perfect for each one of them.  I also asked for one since I'm now adding teacher to my list of roles.

Cross your fingers for us!  We're going to need it!