School's Out for Summer

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but at the same time, well worth it.

My classes ended mid May; the boys, the first of June. I volunteered to chaperone a field trip for my youngest son's class. We went to Topeka. I experienced my first toll road, the Capitol Building, and the History Museum. I carpooled with three other class parents, all of whom have girls, that live near me. Just doing my part to be less antisocial. *grin*

The Capitol Building was beautiful overall. They are in the midst of construction on the dome, so we didn't really get the full effect of that. We heard the history of the building, its architecture, and the murals on the walls; a geographical informative rundown of where the materials came from to refurbish/build everything; and a brief explanation of the legislative process. Of course, the boys in my group were more interested in talking the tour guide into going up on the balcony, at which they failed miserably. I have to admit that our tour guide was a very patient, if not entirely too soft-spoken, man. He did do a no-no and let us peek in the restricted underground passage that led from the basement of the Capitol Building, under the street, to the building on the opposite side. I thought that was a really nice gesture by him. Of course, I think I was the only person there who thought it was cool. Everyone else had seen everything already. If I were to go again, I'd probably enjoy it a lot more in a smaller group with a little more time to admire everything.

The History Museum was an interesting experience also. I would love to return and take a bit more time to explore. Kids, however, aren't nearly as intrigued by those sorts of things. They prefer to play and shop at the gift shop. So we went through it quick, made a stop at the store, and then finished our little tour with a jaunt up the short stairway to see the planes hanging from the ceiling. Yeah, I didn't do so hot up there. Fear of heights. Ack! The boys' favorite part of the trip was the train, which was INSIDE the building. That rocked! Unfortunately, time was too short to spend much of in that one spot. Definitely not nearly enough time for me.

On the ride back, the other moms in the car shared a few places that would be fun to take D (my son) to see during the summer. I've forgotten the names of the places already, but a quick Google search should pull them right up.

That was the last full week of school. The next three days went quick. D attended a BBQ and pool party for the fifth grade boys at the end of the last day. He had a "total blast," as he put it. He didn't want to leave the pool—which is only a few blocks from here and costs $5 for county residents—and I don't blame him; it did look pretty awesome from where I stood.

A week later, T (my teenager) boarded his first plane on his own for Oregon. He's going to spend the next seven weeks with the grandparents and my sister. He's been a handful and hasn't been away from his brother much in his thirteen years, but I'm thinking this will be good for all of us. D will be able to explore his own interests and have the freedom to do what he wants. T will get to enjoy all the attention he can handle—which is great for an attention hog. Brett and I can focus on taking care of us. He can do his writing (I've been particularly needy the last few months, which drives him insane) and play football on the Xbox; and I can work on all the silly little things I need to work on that most people already know how and do. Together we can get the First Cut Anthology finished and start selling that sweet, little bad boy.

My promotion at work brought its own transitions. So far, it's gone pretty smooth. Well, aside from the almost electrocution of one employee my first night of being shadowed instead of shadowing. She's fine, and everything is back to Norman (Yes, I just said Norman.)

For the first time in a long time, I'm looking forward to a great summer. I'm sure I'll still be ready for the boys to return to school, but with the progress I've made, am making, and will continue to make, I think I'll be better equipped to handle the preparations—especially with this much needed break from teen angst to get the adult relationship in this family back on track. I don't care how healthy a relationship is, kids definitely add strain. They are, in the long run, worth it, but it's a constant work in progress—something I sometimes take for granted and forget because I've been with my boys their entire lives where he hasn't.

Well, it looks like I've rambled on enough. I should get off this machine and get my butt in gear. Breakfast calls, and when my stomach speaks, I must obey!

Here's to a good summer, for not only myself, but anyone who happens to read this!