Adventure #3: "The Joy of Doing Nothing!"

One of my favorite movie quotes is from "Eat, Pray, Love" where Julia Roberts is in Italy talking about "dolce far niente", the "joy of doing nothing." This is something I can totally relate to!! Now that we're back from the "running around" part of our vacation, I can now enjoy the part that is the most special for me - just being home! It's the letting things settle back to "normal", whatever that is, that really puts the big sappy grin on my face! I love not being sleepy during the day, I love being awake to fix my family 3 square meals a day (plus dessert) and I love just sitting at the table with my husband for an hour or two, talking and sipping coffee together and not having to BE somewhere. (And they all really like it, too!) :-)

I've enjoyed trying some new recipes, thanks to the inspiration I always receive after being back in Missouri for a visit! It is the home of the master chefs and bakers, you know.... I'm in the process of researching different ice cream makers, which is my next little investment, and I need one that will do justice to Carlene's homemade ice cream recipe! Any suggestions?! Leaning toward Cuisinart- it's groovy!

I've dawdled around, baked banana bread, done lots of laundry, read THREE books (amazing, I know!) caught a movie with the kids, splashed around in the pool, put down new hall runners and rugs (since my hubby had the carpets cleaned while we were gone!) awakened almost every morning WITHOUT the help of an alarm clock, and have almost found myself thinking, "I might be bored." a couple of times. (Bite your tongue, Woman...)

The little Smiths had a swim meet on Wednesday, and let me just say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself! Absolutely hilarious and endearing and beloved to see your children trying their hardest at something and then being delighted in themselves with their efforts. So proud of them!! Ya'shar had one 15 minute long "moment" of panic during warm up when EVERYone was in the pool and his lane was crowded and he remembered they were in deep water. He did great tho! (Thanks, Coach Cassandra, for the pep talk!!)

I love the picture of Coach Hannah with all our kids!! She jumped off her bike on her way out so she could take a picture with us!! She has truly made such a great and positive impact on our family and we are so grateful!