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| L to R: Ken, Sam, Georgia |
The last six weeks or so have introduced us to the intricacies of tire swings, inflatable swimming pools, backyard barbecues, nightly ninja baths* and toddler-sized sunglasses. And we're still weeks away from the annual family reunion(s). Does life get any sweeter? I think not.
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| Nanny Kate and us |
Occasionally, we have movie night. This entails the choosing of an all-audience appropriate movie, and dinner together in front of the aforementioned flick. We recently watched the movie The Rise of the Guardians. It's good. You should watch it. I speak of this because, in addition to the sweetness of summertime, we're also learning the ins and outs of saying goodbye. From the lighter goodbyes -- like our goodbye to the spider we sent down the bathroom toilet -- to the more serious goodbyes, like to our graduate school-bound nanny, Kate -- Mom and Dad are carefully and confidently explaining to us the importance of change. Of the goodness of growing up. Of giving thanks for and believing in our guardians -- whether they're physically with us or not. (We love you, Kate. Thanks for safely guarding and growing with us!)
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| Uncle Rick and Sam: 2011 |
And sometimes our guardians are suddenly guardian angels -- whether we're ready for it or not. On Mother's Day weekend, Dad's oldest brother, our best uncle Rick, entered hospice care after a lengthy battle with his health. A few weeks later, we learned from Dad that the doctors couldn't fix Rick anymore, and that Rick was done living. Dad misses him. So does Mom. I am sad, for sure. Rick had a great laugh. He read us good stories. Being done living is tough business, becuse, as three-year-old Sam so eloquently put it, "Living sure is fun."
Watch over us, Rick, and may your chariot ride to heaven be glory-filled and pain-free. We love you.
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| Spring 2014: h/t Kahnke Brothers |
The next few weeks promise a glut of sunshine, new friendships and family time. I'll return more regularly with reports of outside adventures, pictures of toddlers in sunglasses, along with ideas and reflections big and small. Until we meet again, keep your guardians close, and always believe in the goodness and power of change.
With love,
Ken
*The ninja bath differs from the typical bath, in that it is conducted assembly line style: Kid One follows Mom into the bathroom and completes the following steps, in this order: 1) Clothes off. 2) Jump in. 3) Remain standing for the body lather and hair cleansing. 4) Jump out. 5) Towel off. 6) March into the bedroom for jammies, books and bed. Kid Two = Repeat steps 1-6. Kid Three = Repeat steps 1-6. Kids One through Three are clean and bedtime-book-ready in 17 minutes. Flat. (Note: A layer of sunscreen and dirt will remain on the floor of the tub after every ninja bath. Be prepared to clean regularly.)
1 comment:
So sorry to hear about Uncle Rick! Our deepest sympathies for your family's loss!
On a lighter note, thanks for the ninja bath tip. Now that we have a 1-3, we will keep that helpful tidbit in mind!
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