Monday, July 26, 2010

My very own Jem and Scout

For my family, being away from home brings out the worst and the best of us.  Tempers are short when sleep gets compromised on progressively longer days as we cram in more and more.  Kids tend to bicker more in close quarters.  Like a car.  For 4 hours.

But the worst of it is brief, forgivable, compared to the best of it.  I love being together without the pressure of the laundry pile (oh, believe me, it lurks in the back of my mind waiting to multiply and pounce on me when we arrive home), never-ending tasks at work, and projects for which procrastination is part of the title--like "that bathroom painting project I keep putting off..."  I love only needing to be responsible for a couple of meals and documenting my children's joy of being outdoors away from home.


We're staying in Northern Michigan on a lake in a beautiful cabin that my father-in-law built from a tear down.  The view is spectacular.




Last night, I watched T1 and T2 gathering acorns, skimming stones, and jumping off the dock.  I had a vision of the two of them making up games and stories--summertime yarns that are the only things that occupy their minds.  I keep seeing these dirty-faced ruffians like Jem and Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird (my current summer read).  My characters, like the fictional ones, are devoted to each other.  They're outside from sun up to sun down.  They create imaginary worlds in the forest that provide a dappled backdrop for the most memorable of play.

Like Scout, when they're older, I hope they reflect fondly on this coming of age time in their lives and while they learn about the world around them, they keep some of the innocence that is captivating in a seven-year-old's summer.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Looks idyllic! How are the skeeters? Reminds me of my childhood vacations.

Amy said...

Looks so peaceful. I want to be there.

One Photo said...

Lovely post. Yes, vacations bring out the best and worst for us too, as my daughter dislikes the disruption in routine but once we get where we are going the change in routine etc as you describe it so very well is magical and so worth the hassle. Your escape looks just so peaceful and beautiful and before I even got to the end of your post I was thinking how very much your daughters will look back with such fond memories on these family summer vacations and a time of simple innocence and joy.

Maggie May said...

one of my favorite books ever, along with a million other people.

happy vacationing!

Lucy said...

It's true that emotions seem to be heightened when not at home. The good times are incredible and the bad times can be hell. Loved the pics too.

Organic Motherhood with Cool Whip said...

Awwwww!!! What a wonderful time together. Definitely a trip to create memories. We are actually heading to Michigan next week too, to stay at my father's cottage off of Lake Michigan. It really is beautiful up there!