My House is Too Quiet...

After several very hectic weeks (so hectic in fact, I've had little time to write an entry), I've finally found some time and some solitude...a rare, but welcome mix. Four of my six children have been farmed out for a few days while Tim, the little girls and I enjoy some much deserved down time.

So what have we been up to? Three weeks ago our church had their annual VBS. My three oldest children attended and had a fantastic time. My oldest, Olivia, was particularly thrilled since her camp was offsite and she got to ride, for the first time in her life, the big yellow school bus. A homeschooled child is thrilled by such simple pleasures.

After VBS, my big sis Sharon and her son, Alex, came north from South Carolina to stay with us for a week. They primarily came to meet Baby Julianna (who incidentally is now an obscene 4 and half months old - where does time go?). Our house served as home base for them as family members came here to visit, which gave me the opportunity to play hostess, a role that I delight in. They also enjoyed a "Pittsburgh Day" where my sis introduced Alex to the highlights of the Burgh - Heinz Field, the Strip District, Primantis. French fries on sandwiches?... we Pittsburghers are a strange breed, what d'yunz think?

After my southern guests left, we were invaded by family from the North...Tim's brother Jeff and his family stayed for a few days and we got to meet their newest member, Baby Alyssa. It was great having all the cousins together. And although Nolan and Jonah love their two girl cousins, they were most smitten by Uncle Jeff's Wii. (Guess what Santa will be bringing next Christmas).

So that brings us to this week. The two older ones away at Church camp, the middle children being spoiled at Grandma Dee Dee's, and the two youngest girls sound asleep in their beds. When's the last time my house has been so quiet AND clean for such an extended period of time?

Tim is taking a few days off to spend time at home. And although we would have loved to vacation somewhere just the two of us, a nursing baby makes that nearly impossible. So we'll be staycationing at home, enjoying those activities that we rarely come by with six kids in tow - trail biking, dining out, shopping, and visiting friends. And yes, even enjoying the loud silence.