Today was filled with firsts. Today was the first time we have visited the Jezek family in their home! We were blessed to be invited to a BBQ at their place, along with several other home schooling families, many from SSJ, whom we were meeting for the first time. It was especially great to be able to spend time with them since they’ve been out of town with relatives for a while after Kevin had a serious fall and hurt his back. Thanks be to God, his recovery is progressing and we were able to fellowship with him (for the first time!) as well as his lovely wife Laura, with whom I have been delighted to become friends.
We were the first to arrive, shortly after noon, and Paul was put right to work out at the grill, getting started with the chicken, burgers and hot dogs. The place was soon a-buzz with the high energy of young people, greeting one another, and running up and down the stairs getting changed. The pool was full of splashing and fun for the whole afternoon, as the kids were in and out of the water, grabbing food here and there, but seemingly interested only in vigorously burning calories. The air hockey table was also popular, and never quiet all afternoon.
After swimming and lunching, kids started taking turns on the leaky paddle boat in the lake out behind the house. I am sorry to say that I did not get photos of the drama as the boat was capsized twice (once by Megan!), and Paul had to go in the drink to bail it out the first time, and the second time, actually had to swim across to it and bring it back, as it was too heavy for the girls to pull. He said the water was no worse than the lakes he grew up swimming in back in Fairmont, MN. However, he made sure not to sit on any of the Jezek’s furniture once he’d gotten soaked.
I learned about several home school opportunities as well today, including the Sacred Heart Home Educators Association; a teen group; a home schoolers “dance night” where families come and learn old fashioned dances like the Virginia Reel and others one might see in a Jane Austen movie; and also that there is an Arizona Catholic Home School Conference coming up at the end of this month, which I believe I am going to attend with Laura!
New friends, new opportunities – what a day of blessings. Thank you, Laura and Kevin, for your hospitality!! We can’t wait to do it again!
Pics of the day (hover over the i for captions – and full-screen is best!)!
