Kent and I would drive out to Bartlett Reservoir often the summer before we had kids just to swim and enjoy ourselves. We didn’t have a boat or any fancy lake toys. We just went exploring, found a quite cove and went swimming; we had fun. Every time we were there we talked about getting a little raft so we could explore the lake more. That fall we did buy a little raft, excited to go back to the reservoir and try it out. But the weather cooled down, then we had a baby, and another summer past, and we had another baby, and another summer past and that little longed for raft never got used.
The other day we had a rare Saturday free together as a family.This is very rare for us as I am working whenever Kent is at home with the kids and he is working whenever I am at home with the kids. So we don’t have many “Saturdays” together as a family.
Our opportunity had come. We got the kids and that new-old raft and headed to the reservoir. We wanted to go back for a long time.
Ok, I am not going to lie. When I had imagined that raft three years ago I had imagined Kent and I just paddling together around so nice and peaceful. Stopping here and there and and jumping out and swimming together out to some rock and back. Exploring the shores, no time restraints, no worries, just us, the sun, the water, and the raft. This trip with our long hoped for raft wasn’t at all like I imagined. I guess I knew it wouldn’t be, but I still wanted it to be.
We still had fun out there. I loved watching Anna and Elise sitting in the water, smiling as the waves splashed up on their legs and becoming so interested in picking up handfuls of wet sandy rocks then letting them drop through their fingers. I guess having children means giving up some dreams for better ones.
I have visions of things I want to experience with my kids, and it is disappointing sometimes realizing they are too young to really get it. It will happen though! This past year I hauled my six and four year old out to a coral reef in Grand Cayman and they saw real live finding nemo fish and plants and corral and it was magic. I cried because sharing moments of beauty and fun with them is finally happening. We read novels every night. They ask for one more chapter. Next year we may even get to start Harry Potter. The fun stuff takes awhile. Babies are lovely, but they kinda suck and derail everything. Give it time. The dreams will come back. PS. Church still is awful. Haven't felt the spirit in like, three years. Still waiting for that dream to come true.
ReplyDeleteDayna, I think you are one of the most amazing women! That's all :]
ReplyDeleteYour dream weekend at the reservoir may not seem to be what it is but still you've got your little angels with you. And that's a blessing. Glad you guys had the time to bond together.
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