Redemptive Road

I love summer. If you know me or if you've read my blog for any length of time you know that it is my absolute favorite time of the year.

Last summer was not a good one. A week after school let out, my dad started having all kinds of health issues. Some were directly related to his pancreatic cancer, others were just weird and random. The days and weeks that followed were hellish. Summer failed to be a life-giving season for me and my family. Instead, it stole a lot from me. From us. It stole joy, fun, leisure, and it literally stole life.

My biggest hope is that this summer will be a redemptive one for me and for my family.

And if the weekend was any indication, I'd say we're on a redemptive road. Hallelujah!

Friday night we had our first weekly neighborhood Happy Hour. About 20 adults and 30 kids gathered in my neighbor's front yard. The kids played and had popsicles. The parents visited while sipping cold drinks and keeping an eye on the kids. Happy Hour stretched into hours, and a great time was had by all. John and I don't really love our too-small house but we absolutely love our neighbors. We're a close bunch and are always doing fun things together. Tomorrow night the gleeks among us are getting together to watch the season finale of Glee!

We enjoyed a super lazy Saturday morning. John made breakfast for everyone. Later, we did a little house work, a little yard work, and then John suggested we head to downtown Colorado Springs for some pizza at Il Vicino. It was beautiful evening so we ate outside on their patio (and evidently missed seeing some friends by mere minutes). The kids followed their pizza with some Ben & Jerry's, and when we returned home everyone (except me and my bum leg) hit the trampoline. I loved listening to my peeps play and laugh while the sun set. It was a perfect summer Saturday.

John preached at our church yesterday and I thought he did a terrific job. He always does. We came home and grilled brats for lunch then he and I took a nap while the kids watched television. We helped Will and Sarah get everything packed for camp this week and then we grilled again for dinner. It was another perfect evening to dine al fresco and so we did. Eating dinner outside is one of my favorite things about summer! Don't summer Sunday evenings have such a great feel? I sure think so!

This week is going to feel a little different with both Will and Sarah gone. Abbey says she's excited, and she is, but she's also a little sad too. She adores her brother and sister and they love her too. We have plenty of fun things planned for the little princess though.

I hope your summer is off to a glorious start as well!