We’ve been visiting my parents’ farm every summer for years…
Since before Dan and I had kiddos.
Our kids who are now 11, 9, and 7… started visiting as babies…
And metaphorically speaking, so did we.
With each and every yearly summer visit…
I notice tiny differences and shifts.
The older cousins want to do things on their own…
Everyone – kids and adults – enjoy some peace and quiet.
The kiddos are more independent.
And we’re all OK doing our own thing from time to time.
Although there are mild changes each year…
It brings me so much joy to see the priorities that remain the same.
Where the children in all of us come out to say hello.
It’s in the giggles and screams during night games…
The competitive rounds of bags…
Night swims…
Go-kart races…
And Kubota rides.
We may all be getting older…
But the farm seems to remind us all that we’re still kids at heart.
And what a special place to have the power to do that!
For me personally…
I spent much of this past visit choosing to be observant and grateful.
I cherished my early morning wake-ups with my pup, where I had hours to sit on the beautiful Papa-created deck, and enjoy my coffee, doggy snuggles, and early morning bird songs.
I smiled at realizing my parents’ goal of turning their home into “Utopia”…
A place where everyone can’t wait to visit…memories are made… and joy is had…
Has been accomplished.
And to think… they’re still going! 🙂
Love is a verb.
It is an action.
And the efforts that are made on all accounts…
The travel…
The time off work…
The presence of all 15 of us each year…
The never-ending efforts the grandparents put into these summer visits to make them the most memorable time of the year…
THAT is love.
And it is felt.
I will admit…
It’s easy to get nostalgic for what once was…
However…
I encourage us all to be grateful for the past…
While simultaneously basking in what is happening in the present.
Although it may look different now…
There is always something to be grateful for.
You just have to look around with the right lens.
Believing in us, always.
Love it!