Big Smiles

I realized during the last few days of school that this summer was going to be a very special one.  It is the first time since James was just days old that I would be able to spend all day with him for more than just a weekend and short vacations.  I vowed to myself that I was going to make the most of the next few weeks with Little Man, savor the experience, and know that I am making a difference in his life during the time that we will be together.

We started the summer off by joining in on one of the activities from Mountain Adventure Week.  Paul and I decided that it would be a good idea for Little Man and I to join some of the other moms in the church for a big playdate at the park.  Little Man and I packed up this morning and headed for the park, ready to have some fun.  With all the people around he became a little overstimulated and just started watching what was going on, watching the big kids play and run around.  We did sit and play with a beach ball for a while, although he was more interested in the grass, and then came the big fun, we ventured over to the swings.  At first he sat back in the swing, relaxing and just watching everyone around us, then he perked up a little and started to have a lot of fun.

Seeing the big smile on Little Man's face as he was gently swinging back and forth was such a blessing.  It is these little things that I have missed so much having to work.

We are so blessed to have a son who is happy almost all the time and a church community that welcomes everyone.  While we were waiting for a swing, one of the little girls got out of her swing, then came up to me and told me that she was done and that Little Man could have a turn.  It is so nice to have a community of believers who are there to lift each other up and support them and have fun with them and "experience life together."  This is likely the only activity that we do with Mountain Adventure Week this year, but knowing that we are able to go and have fun with others from the church, and providing me with an opportunity to meet and spend time with other moms is so wonderful.