Vacations in September

{ Vacations in September }

We finally went to the beach! We caught that last bit of summer before the winds began to change and the temperatures dropped. Last week we spent the week with my family in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. My parents go there every year and invited us along this year. It was a welcome change and a much needed break after a very busy summer and right before another very busy winter. I am hoping that after we move this winter (out of military life and into civilian life) we will be able to just put the brakes on for a bit and slow down. Moving and transition seems to eclipse everything else in life and it becomes this blur. 

The kids loved spending time with their grandparents, aunts, and uncles while playing on the beach and swimming in the ocean. The temperatures were just right and the beach was uncrowded. My kind of place because I am not a big person on crowds or heat. We had our occasionally bumps along the way but that is to be expected with a family of three small children. Our trip started off with an early morning rise and drive that was almost thwarted by a roaming neighborhood skunk. I shutter to think what would have happened if we actually saw him and didn't just smell him. 

So, after a mostly relaxing week we are back in full swing of Autumn. Oh! How I love this time of year! I literally get up with a little extra pep in my step each day because the temperatures will be cooler and we can open the windows. We are planning a visit to a local mountainside orchard this weekend and some much needed apple pie baking time.

We are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of Pope Francis. He will be just down the road in Washington DC soon and it is very exciting for Catholics in the United States and anyone who finds his message of love and mercy comforting. CeCe wanted to know if he would come to dinner at our home and I told her that if he showed up at our door Mama might actually faint. I explained that he was very busy and that he had to give time to everyone who wanted to see him. She is very fascinated by what he wears and does every day. I wish we could go down and see him but I think that would be biting off more than we can chew ( remember my thing about crowds). We will just have to watch on television.  It is truly an exciting time. 

We are back in the full swing of homeschooling and I think we are finally finding our rhythms of peace and order. Or as much of it can be found in a home with busy small hands. Every once in a while I will have those moments of doubt if I am doing enough or the right thing. I am a chronic worrier.

So, starts another beautiful day....