Summer Holiday

Due to the unfortunate expense of fixing my car after being hit by lightning, we had to cancel our planned beach vacation. As disappointing as that was, we are trying to make the best of it by doing little "mini vacations" as a family. Yesterday we hit the pool and to our delight, found we were basically the only people there. We swam as a family for a while. Lydia likes to ride on my back and hold on to my swimsuit straps like reins on a horse. Then Shane grabs my arms and whips us both through the water, Lydia and I screaming and laughing like it is the greatest amusement park ride.

After a while I couldn't ignore the cry of the lounge chair and a little Orson Scott Card reading. Feeling the hot sun on wet skin may be the most fantastic of all summer pleasures. After a chapter or two, however, my book became merely a shield from UV rays as I watched my daughter and her daddy swim together. When Shane is around, Lydia needs no one else. They are so utterly smitten with each other. I don't feel the least bit jaded by her obvious favoritism towards him. It just makes me smile. The bright sun, the refreshing breeze and the laughter of my two favorite people in the background; it may have been one of the best family "vacations" ever.

Happy Labor Day!