Busy Times on Summer Vacation

Time on the beach.

It is heading into the middle of July, and everyone at the house is adjusting to a few months of no responsibilities and being able to relax and go about their business in the morning.

I shouldn't say "everyone". Wife is still hustling to work every day. For me, it's heading into the busy season at my job. My little miracles of Christ, however, are free from the shackles of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and they have had no trouble adjusting to their new schedule, which is now drastically reduced.

The Kids are Having Fun

The Boy continues to ride his bike with the Fruit Loops. Instead of riding to school, they are riding to local bike parks to coast down hills and then to a local store for something to drink after showing off impressive speed and skills to each other.

The Oppressed is celebrating her new parole period by staying in bed under an extra blanket to help her properly sleep. Waking time is spent texting with her friends and reading YA fantasy novels. A teenager enjoying the perfect summer vacation, Part of my morning routine includes knocking on her door for a "proof of life" drill. I'm constantly reminding her of the benefits of "getting vertical" and how nice it is to interact with society for a while. She nods her head, then goes back to her reading or texting.

Lovie is working. She bakes when she is home, making sure something is left for me when I get home from work, and making sure I am trying it when I do return.

Summer vacation is great when you're a kid. I remember my time when I was being held down in Academia. Hot days were spent playing baseball with my friends, swimming in the pool, or taking long bike rides. Your time is your own, and the weather is great. You take trips to the beach, to the amusement park, eat some ice cream.

Day Trips with the Children

A bus full of teenagers. 
What could possibly go wrong?
The season of freedom has only started for my children this year. Before vacation started, I chaperoned a field trip to Canobie Lake Park. The Oppressed spent some time coaching me on the proper ways to not embarrass her. I was confused. I am down with the lingo used by children today, so I thought there would be no problem fitting in with the teenagers. The Oppressed was not impressed, and my skills were put on the back burner for the day.

I don't remember seatbelts on
buses when I was in school.

Given my schedule at work, I have a few days off here and there. I'm thinking of using that time for day trips with the kids. One of our first trips was to Lexington where we took in some of the historical sites. This was a day The Oppressed and I really enjoyed. We saw the Green and the Buckman Tavern among other sites in town. After lunch we drove back home.

Traveling with the Family

We spent a week in the Dominican Republic. There was plenty to see and do. One of the highlights for me was being roommates with my son. He wasn't so jazzed about it, but I was excited. The trip abroad was filled with a mix of adventure and amusement. I'll get into all of that in the future.

There have also been trips to Cape Cod, and I have been giving myself some scenic tours on my bike as part of my exercise regimen.

Taking a break during
an invigorating bike ride.

I am looking forward to doing other things with the kids. I'd like to go swimming at the lake, visit Plymouth. I know there will be some more chores to do at my in-laws' house on Cape Cod. A trip downtown or to the beach could certainly be fit in after those are done.

Summer vacation is a great time. It always has been for me. It meant days of baseball, swimming and bike riding. Summer meant hanging out with friends. There was always stuff to do, and there is plenty of things to do now. It's been fun hanging out with my kids. The Boy has enjoyed his time with The Fruit Loops. The Oppressed has been hanging out with friends. The ones who aren't at our house are keeping in touch with texts and Snapchat. There's plenty going on, with promise of more happening before summer vacation is over.

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