Busy Week....

For the first full week of summer break (last week didn't count because of Memorial Day) this has been a seemingly busy week. In reality, it was actually pretty relaxing and lazy.

On Monday and Tuesday, we spent all day at the pool (the boys and I have the sun to prove it!) swimming and chatting with our friend, Kristie and her son, Levi. Then on Tuesday night, Clay earned both his swimming and life saving merit badges. Way to go, Clay!

By Wednesday we needed a break from sun and a pool (this proved to be short lived as you'll read) and drove to Gaffney to drop off Clay's trumpet for repair, have lunch and look for a cheap one-piece swimsuit for me to take to Daytona. Wednesday night, Clay went to VBS with a friend, while Ron and I took Ben with us to small group. As things go, Nikki and Pete had just opened their new pool so while we cooked out on their patio, Ben joined the kids, and Pete, in testing the new waters.

Thursday: Back to the Pool! Clay's friends: Ritchie, Levi, Kellie and Emily came over to swim and, again, we have the sun to show that we spent ALL day out there. (Poor Ritchie, Clay and Kellie got burned). By Thursday night, we were all wiped out.

On Friday we took another "day break" from the pool to run errands for a Friday night "party at the pool". With our friends/neighbors, Evangeline and Bim, we hosted a little soiree up at the pool that evening. While the kids swam, we adults enjoyed some really yummy treats.....especially Evangeline's dessert. We almost literally closed the pool down by staying past the time for "adult only" swim time to start. And, then, when we get ready to leave, we discover that no one was going ANYWHERE! The lock box on the pool gate had shut off and wouldn't open! One of the "adult's only" jumped the fence and called the pool chairman to come free us.....luckily, we didn't have to pick a lounge chair to sleep on for the night.

Today, busy as always.....Clay had to be at the church at 8 a.m. for Operation Serve (his community service hours that he had to work for his Daytona donations). Our student minister asked if I could go along, so after running home for a quick shower, I spent the morning with the kids at The Haven, a local home for women and families. I can say that it was a rewarding, but sobering, experience. When our life seems the bleakest it is still 100% better than some folks have it. After lunch, Ron and Ben went back with me and we joined the students at Cleveland Park to play with kids and pass out candy. Can I say though, IT WAS HOT! Ben loved riding the train while we tried to find the shadiest possible areas.

It has been a great week and I figure next week should be pretty laid back, too. I will post pictures from Friday night and today once I get them downloaded. I've been reading an older, but new to me Karen Kingsbury book tonight and it took precedence over pictures!

Have a wonderful Sunday!