Blissful Summer.

I woke up late this morning.

Instead of the sounds of little feet pitter-pattering on the floors upstairs, I heard the songs of the birds outside my bedroom window.

All is quiet here at the cottage once again.

Two of my daughters, Kelly and Melissa were here with their children: Maddie, Charlotte, Olivia, Kayla, and Anson for a few days.

The cottage was full, and noisy, and bustling with energy!

There were towels, bathing suits, and sand everywhere!

And laughter.

Kids laughing, and screaming, and running.

Sounds echoing off the water all day long.

We did some heavy duty power eating, too.

It seems we were always hungry.

But now all is quiet.

As I type this post, all I hear are the keys clicking, and the Robins singing their songs.

I thought I was ready for things to get back to "normal" here at our cottage.

But there is a certain sadness here.

No little people climbing up next to me on the sofa, asking me what I'm doing.

No one asking for a bowl of Fruit Loops Cereal.

No one wondering where their bathing suit, and beach towel is.

No doors slamming.

No one asking to go on a golf cart ride.

No one....just me.

Since the van pulled away yesterday....full of my dear ones....I've felt teary eyed.
I went to work after everyone left. All day it felt like something was missing. My arms felt like they were supposed to be holding on to someone, or hugging someone.  Like a part of me was lost.
Even my Mr. called me at the pharmacy to say he missed the kids. Then he stopped up at work, because he missed everyone.
You would think I would appreciate some peace, and quiet after all of the craziness of the last two or three weeks....instead....
I would love for them all to come back in a heartbeat.
Maybe it's the knowing that Summer is half over already.
All I do know is....this was the best time I've had in a very long time.  I'm thankful that God has blessed me with the moments I've had to spend with the people that I love.