Wish Summer Didn't Have To End

Do you remember as a kid how much you wished summer break could just go on a little longer? I always wish that I could have more time to do one more thing, but looking back, there were a lot of fun times and memories made.

 It was fun having friends come down to visit this summer. I enjoyed doing some local sightseeing with friends. There are places and things to do around here that I sometimes take for granted. It was just so much fun being able to visit wonderful and historical places so close by.


The Cape Henry Lighthouses located in Fort Story, VA Beach.

Back in July, Sophia and Matthew attended VBS (Vacation Bible School) at church. Actually, Sophia helped out as a volunteer aide for the preschoolers. She spent a total of 20 hours this summer with decorating and helping the lead teacher for a week. As an 8th grader she needs to complete service hours for middle school graduation and for the NJHS. Matthew enjoyed going to VBS, doing hands-on activities, playing games, and spending time with his friends.

Matthew had a blast attending Webelo (Cub Scout) Resident Camp in Maidens,VA with Ted. He enjoyed camping outside, learning outdoor skills, shooting BB guns, and just having fun with his fellow scouts.

Matthew having fun at camp.

Sophia did very well with her summer swim team. Her team won their division championship, with a 6-0 record for the season!! Her coach gave her an award for "Most Improved Swimmer".


Sophia at her swim team's award banquet.

Ted and I celebrated our 19th Anniversary at the end of July. It is just amazing how time flies!! We feel very blessed and grateful to be where we are in our lives....and sharing this journey with our children.

A few weeks ago we took a day trip to Tangier Island located about 12 miles off the Eastern Shore in the Chesapeake Bay. It was quite an adventure. It took us almost 2 hours to drive to Onancock, where we departed on a ferry (small boat). It took about another hour to get from Onancock to Tangier. The boat ride in itself could be classified as a semi-roller coaster experience. The water was very choppy due to an upcoming storm the next day. We survived the boat ride to and from the island...with no one getting sea sick.

Tangier is a very, very small island with only about 470 residents. Instead of cars, everyone gets around either by walking, biking, or driving a golf cart. We rented a golf cart for the day which the kids enjoyed. Alex got to drive it for a little while. As you first get off the dock, there are a couple of restaurants in view. We ate at one of them and enjoyed the small hometown atmosphere and of course, fresh seafood!! One thing that was interesting is that Tangier is "dry"...Ted was surprised to find out that you couldn't order a glass of beer! He jokingly said, "If I would have known it was dry, I would have not come."


Alex driving the golf cart around town.

The beach at Tangier Island was very beautiful, a quiet and peaceful get-away.



 What was so interesting to me about Tangier was that generations of families have lived there since the late 1600s. It has a very strong Christian (Methodist) community. Family graveyards were located next to or in front of some of the dwellings. The locals spoke with an Elizabethan-like accent. It was very distinct. There is only one school house for grades K-12. Most of the seniors that graduate move inland to go to college or just find work.  Most of  the families that do stay earn their living as watermen, mostly crabbing. Tangier had a very low key atmosphere, everything was so simple, and everyone we encountered was very friendly.


The simple scenery just gave you a sense of calmness.

 

Sophia, Alex, and Matt pose for a pic along the marshes.

After the trip to Tangier, I was getting ready for school to start. Making sure the kids had all their supplies and uniforms all set is always a tedious task. Sophia (8th grade) and Matthew (4th grade) just started this week. And, I started back to work as the Before School Care provider. The kids and I are still getting used to getting up much earlier. Alex doesn't start until after Labor Day.

Alex recently went on a mission trip with the Church Youth Group. He spent 4 1/2 days on the Eastern Shore (he has been on the Eastern Shore 3 weekends in a row: trip to Tangier Island, camping with his Boy Scout Troop to Cape Charles, and the mission trip) with about 14 other high schoolers. He spent his time working on migrant farms, gleaning potatoes. He also helped deliver bags of groceries door to door to some of the poorest neighborhoods. He played with Haitian and Mexican children who spoke French and Spanish. He visited a Head Start program where he got to play with young toddlers and give gifts to them that were made by the kids who attended VBS earlier this summer. He got to play soccer with some of the older kids. He and the rest of the youth group set up a "block party" for some kids in a neighborhood...setting up crafts and games and giving out toys and school supplies to the children. At first he was reluctant to go, but he was glad that he did...it was definitely a positive experience for him.

All in all, while we are sad summer break has ended, we are embracing all the busyness the school year brings and just getting back into the swing of things!