A Wonderful Summer Day

I love Special Olympics! I’ve said it before and you will hear me say it again. I especially love it on a warm spring or summer day. At 7:00 this morning I went downstairs and found Clark sitting on the couch, dressed and ready to go. We wouldn’t leave for another 1 ½ hours. Even then we arrived early for the district softball tournament. It gave Clark and Phil time to hang out with friends and it gave Paul and me time to sit in the shade and read before their first game. Because we don’t expect their team to play like professionals we get very excited over many small things that they do like getting a hit or catching a ball or throwing the ball and putting someone out. They played three games spread out over the day so Paul and I had time for a short snooze, time to watch people, time to drive to Taco Bell for lunch (the teams were fed at the ballpark), time to visit with friends we have made over the years, and time for more reading on the grass with bare feet. Soon the games were over and the awards given (their team received the bronze in their division and will not be going to state), pictures taken and we were driving back home, exhausted and happy. In another year we will be back again, doing the same thing and loving it as much.

Clark made it to first a couple of times.

Phil loves the catcher's gear.

My two amazing sons.

Warning Sign

Our family had just checked into our temporary home away from home when Phil noticed the “Do not disturb” sign hanging off the door knob. He took it off, studied it for a minute, and then announced “No beds allowed.”

We're Home!

After over a month away from home and sporadic Internet service we are home—to all that awaits when you’ve been away for that long. It has been said that a vacation (actually all of our time away was not vacation, some was volunteer work) is most needed when you’ve just returned from one. Just because you are away does not mean that everything will come to a standstill. The fact is we’re not feeling too sorry for ourselves, just overwhelmed. I’ve noticed that Clark and Phil do not feel the weight. They adjust quite easily. Life just goes on for them, only in a different location. Their anxiety manifests itself in the transition from one location to another. And for them it is really good to be home as long as they are with us. I wrote and took pictures while we were gone which I will post over the next week or two.

Of course the lawn refused to stop growing while we were gone. Our #2 son mowed part of the lawn while we were gone but the lawnmower broke. Fortunately a new one had already been purchased but needed to be put together when we got home. Here is Phil, who always mows the lawn, receiving instructions on using the new mower.

The garden which we didn't plant this year was thick with weeds. A few volunteer tomato plants were found in the growth.

While doing yard work time was taken to eat and watch a Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert. Clark didn't last very long.