Away

Last week we spent a few days away at Mark's late Grandpa Earl's home. It is in the most lovely spot--close to a beautiful beach, up the hill from the train tracks, on a large wild plot of land where deer wander through at all hours, and boys (and soon girls!) can roam free. It offers opportunities for what childhood is made of: lazy days indoors and out (unfortunately I forgot my camera for most of the outdoor fun). Ashen and Torin had their first opportunity to "chase deer." At all times they were listening for train whistles so they could rush down to see it rumble past. Vacationing with kids is not a lot of work (the prep alone almost made me crazy) but we all were grateful for the chance to slow down and enjoy each other for a few days, though Grandpa Earl's absence was palpable and he was missed.