With the first week of summer firmly tucked under our belts, I can attest to the physical exhaustion I had forgotten about — the falling-into-bed, loose-limbed feeling of using every bit of energy that it takes to keep up with three very active little boys. We have spent the past week reconnecting in that way that we do on family vacations and holidays, only this time we have the wide expanse of summer ahead of us and I remind myself, pace yourself, don’t go crazy, and so we rest. We listen to music in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest. We sign up for the library reading program and take our time collecting stacks of books to savor at home on the couch or sprawled across the living room rug. We do nothing, and then we’re at it again, outside where the breeze carries us.
This summer will be a summer of firsts… Milo’s first high dive jump, Oliver’s first shimmy to the top of the swing set (dear lord), Emil’s first independent swinging (he goes so high all by himself!). What a pleasure it is to watch them grow. It’s going to be an amazing, memorable summer. I can feel it already. 
Have a wonderful weekend.
I sure do love these boys so.
Totally off topic but was wondering, do you have any ideas for keeping a 1 year old from getting bored and crying/clinging to me all day? I’m looking for ideas for in the house. I know it doesn’t happen when we are out and about but we can’t do that all day every day. Working hard to not turn the TV on but I’m getting to my wit’s end! Oh, and we just weaned so of course, that never helps anything 🙂 Thanks in advance!
Milo on the high diving board brings back memories of your dad on the high dive. He would stand there all skin and bones and shivering before taking the brave leap in the water. I would watch from below, as I was too scared to do it! So brave!
What a fantastic memory, Aunt Barb! I was just telling someone that Milo reminds me of my dad’s side of the family — he has begun to stretch taller and taller! His body type is all Teemer!
Oh, Emily, I’ve been there! It’s so frustrating, isn’t it? I think my boys generally liked sorting things and lots of sensory stimulation at that age to keep them busy. I’m remembering lots of pots and pans and safe cooking utensils to bang on them. That saved me many times! They all loved playing with tupperware containers at that age. I don’t know if that helps, but I’m sending you hugs from afar!
Thanks, Lauren! I will give all of those a try. (as I write this, she is literally between my legs at the computer, staring at me.) And thanks for your empathy as well!