Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Home Again

Of the past 18 days in July, we have only been home for 4. We have had a wonderful few weeks traveling to Newport Beach and Seattle. The kids have been troopers...they've gotten along remarkably well, had no major meltdowns and have been genuinely thrilled to discover new places. Even Baby Miles has become a well seasoned traveler, seeming to understand the necessity of sleeping on the plane and sitting in his stroller for long periods of time.

Last summer I think I whined through the entire twelve weeks the kids were out of school. I was hot, pregnant and battling kidney infections left and right. Tony was in his third season of training for the Lotoja and essentially was consumed with the bike. The kids were grouchy and bored and we had very few summer plans. Did I mention I was hot, pregnant and battling kidney infections? Yeah, that's right. I felt pretty crummy.

What a difference a year makes. I was determined to do things differently this summer. We have been oh so busy. At times, too busy. But I have yet to hear my children tell me they are bored. I have yet to hear them whine or complain. If anything, they are exhausted.

So you can imagine how good it felt to actually sleep in our own beds last night. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see 600 thread count covering my very own memory foam. The air conditioner practically ran all night, sigh. I didn't trip once on my nightly sojourn to the bathroom. And we all slept a bit longer than usual, not wanting to leave the familiar comfort of our own rooms.

I can't tell you how nice it is to open the fridge and know exactly what's inside. To be able to leave a load in the dryer for a day or two if I want. To have my entire closet available instead of a few t-shirts in my suitcase. To stand in my own shower with just the right amount of water pressure.

I love to travel. I love creating memories with my children, love watching their eyes light up at a new discovery. But these past few weeks I have also discovered that I love my home. I love our routine. I love having the kids home from school. I love seeing more of my husband than just his back tire as he pedals down the driveway. I love our life.

I imagine I will always have the desire to venture out and explore. But as Cole said when we pulled into our street last night "It's good to be home". Indeed it is.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear you leave laundry in your dryer for two days! I am even more glad you are home!

Brooke said...

i was just going to say that:

"jill leaves her laundry in the dryer?!"

i love you even more now...