My chicks are all back in the nest, where they belong.
Everett is delighted to be reunited with his “girlies”. Kaylia was at camp for a week, and then Anika was at camp the next week, and it felt like two weeks was a long time to be missing a family member. My thoughts keep going to my cousin, who lost her son in an accident this last week, and my heart feels heavy for moms who can’t be with their children.
These are the days to hold them close, and enjoy this stage. But at the same time, I always want to keep in mind that the whole point is for them to grow up, and eventually leave the nest, and I don’t want that to be a depressing thought. I want to learn to be fully present, and enjoy each stage, being able to look ahead with excitement and anticipation, and lots of trust that God has good things in store for the future.
But right now, it’s good to have them right where they are. There’s been some fighting already, but it warmed my heart to look out the window and find them chatting together in the play structure – so much to catch up on!:)
Other than the play structure moment, my favourite interaction would have to be this one:
Anika: Locked in her room, reading her book and wanting to be alone.
Kaylia: Knocking and repeatedly begging to play.
Anika: Repeatedly ignoring her.
Kaylia: Made Everett come to Anika’s door with her and started feeding him lines. “Tell Anika to open her door.”
Everett: “Anka, open my door!”
Kaylia: “Tell Anika to let you in her room.”
Everett: “Let you into my room!”
Kaylia “Tell her you want to hug her.”
Everett: “I want to hug you!”
Kaylia: “Tell her you want to kiss her.”
Everett: (long pause) “No. I not saying that.” And stomped down the hall. A kiss was going too far.
May you have better luck with your kiss requests this week. Have a happy Monday!
Ordinary Days 
We dropped our boys off at camp last evening. Wow does it feel empty around here! I too am happy they get to grow and do this on their own but it is hard not having them at home.