Today was
the last official day of school for everyone. Jayden and Jake finished up
mid-week, but today was Luke’s last day and he got out at 11:30. I planned a
cousin day just like we did last year to celebrate school getting out. We had
the day planned out at Spring Lake and the kids were very excited. I knew the
older girls were busy with jobs and sports. Maggie was coming for sure and Lori
waited until 11:00 today to call and tell me only Jaynie would be coming. I was sad
for Jacob. The boys were so excited to get to spend time with their cousin
Rylie, whom they think hung the moon. He was at a wrestling meet during Luke’s
birthday party, so the last time the boys did something with Rylie was Orrie’s
birthday in November. Family is something that you will have forever and I try
to value that. Friends can come and go, but family will always be there. I grew
up very close to my cousins and loved that. I have tried to plan something
special every year with the kids and cousins. I always wished they would do the
same. Feeling bad for my boys and not understanding the excuses, I decided to
think of another plan. I called the Spillman’s and invited their boys. Makenna
and her mom were going to a barrel clinic and the boys were free. Jake and the
Spillman boys just recently started spending time together. With all the kids,
numerous bikes, coolers, and beach supplies, we were ready. Karen and Orrie
went along for the afternoon too and helped haul some of the kids. Mark stayed
in the field side dressing until 11:00 PM. We made it to the Lake around 3:30.
First on the list was some delicious ice cream which they sell by the beach. It
is some of the best ice cream! Next girls in one boat, boys in the other, they
went paddle boating. It was the most amazing day, no wind, nice sunshine around
78 degrees. It was wonderful. Next the kids played in the water and in the
sand. The rule was nobody could go under the water, just to keep things safe.
Lake’s make me very nervous. After that the kids rode their bikes around, Luke
was on the trail along bike that attaches to my bike for the first time. He
loved it. Now we are set to go on bike rides. At one point Jaynie hopped on
Jayden’s bike and was riding along pretty fast. She hit the front brakes and
the bike flipped and Jaynie went airborne. She flew up an over and landed on
the pavement. I was sure she had to hurt something bad. She only scraped up her
hip. It was quite a sight to see her flip.We had our picnic lunch deli
sandwiches and wraps. We sat along the bank at a picnic table eating as the
boys tried fishing. Alex and Braden brought 3 fishing poles and their tackle
box. Those boys are hunters and fishermen to the max. They came prepared with
all kinds of bait. 
Last the kids went skating in the skating rink. The park has
the neatest old skating rink that has been there for years. They have big doors
on the sides that open up so you feel like your outside. The roller skates have
all been through the ringer and are in pretty sad shape, but you manage. The
girls were tired and only skated a few times. They took Luke around holding his
hands a few times then they were all ready to head out with Karen and Orrie. I
let the boys stay another hour. Alex didn’t want to skate in the beginning. I
convinced him and his first time around was rough. I kept encouraging him and
he kept trying. By the time we left he was going pretty fast and was loving it.
Yes, he fell a ton, but that never stopped him. The boys had so much fun
together!
I am so thankful for boys that Jake can get to know and have fun with. Boys that are good influences and have the same values. I have been praying for friends for Jake. It was great to see him so happy too. It was almost 10 when I got the Spillman boys to their house and even later when I got home. Jayden and Jaynie had Luke bathed and already asleep when I got home. They were in bed too. So responsible, I am blessed. It was a good day at the lake.
Comments