Rested. Restored. Reminded. Ready

Tim and I had a great week with the older kids away. We got to embark on adventures that no longer avail themselves to a family of eight. However, being down to just two children, we decided to conquer the world. OK, maybe not the world, but certainly the Greater Pittsburgh area.

We started the week by biking downtown, beginning at the South Side Works and making our way over to the North Shore. All this while pulling two little girls along in their bike trailor. The afternoon offered the best summer weather that Pittsburgh has to offer and we relished in it as we took in the sights of downtown. Charlotte, in all her three year old enthusiasm loved the "ginormous" fountain at the Point, and Julianna, true to form, was a perfect angel throughout. The day ended with a late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory - mmmm.

Wednesday was another bike day, except this time we chose a little less adventurous trail, biking along the Youghiogheny River. All would have been well, had I not just gone running 6 miles earlier that day. By evening time I was exhausted.

The next morning we left early to drive 90 minutes to our friends lake house. We spent another gorgeous day outside, only this time it was boating, waterskiing and tubing. Three days later, my body is still recovering. I don't know if it will ever be the same.

God blessed us with a much needed time of fun and relaxation. And although we weren't completely away from home, we kept our chore time to a minimum. Even Tim fought every compulsion to check his email on an hourly basis. By the time we brought all our kids home this weekend, I felt rested, restored and ready to be Mom again. I was also reminded of how much I love being needed by so many little ones. As much fun as I had without them, I didn't feel complete until they were all safely back at home.