A Continuous Journey

The boys and I took a road trip to Redway last week. It's a spot we've been before, with many fond memories. It's hot there. Hot like it is back in Massachusetts during the summer months. Though, it cools off at night, unlike Mass. Cool waters helped manage the ninety degree air, and then chilling together with the ceiling fan on inside the cabin with a book or game or movie. The few days we had there were relaxing and lovely. They were also a little lonely as the boys realized they really missed their father and their dog. They're at that age, methinks that daddy may need to be more involved than mum. An age that a boy seeks his father's advice more than his mothers, a father's time more than his mothers and they really start studying what it is to be a man. A rockin' rollin', mountain biking, hard working man.

The first morning we woke in Redway, Max and Coleman put on their suits and went down to the river on their own before it was too hot. They're getting old enough to do stuff like that. I looked down from the yard onto the river and rocky sand bar down below. What I saw was something that brings a smile to my face now and will always. Max was "stealthily" following a deer. Running to catch up to it, hiding behind tall grass, running a little more. Needless to say, the deer was faster than he was, but what a scene to behold.

The guys are getting big, as you can see from the pictures, Coleman has been growing at a rate of about 1/4 inch per week for the past couple of months. It makes for a tired 11 year old, let me tell you. You know what, though? He's also more patient and more independent. He's trying more interesting foods, and coming into his own. Max is also getting big fast. He's always been independent, but he's really showing this aspect of himself to be a prominent one. I watch him and can't believe he was just one when we left Massachusetts. He's about to turn nine, this August!

Summer is a time for pause. It is also a time to become engulfed in little moments and nature that the school year just doesn't allow for. This has been a summer to embrace free time and brotherhood. Stillness and change. My own changing role as mother, partner and individual has been on my mind in the quiet moments. For me, this is a juncture in my path where I turn a slightly different direction than I've been following. Of course this lines up with junctures in Coleman's and Max's paths. There is a great deal to think about, be thankful for and a lot to do ahead! Pause. Change. Embrace.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer so far!

Pictures from our day at Shelter Cove: