We didn’t see a lot of neighbor Logan this summer. He was away with his parents several times, and we were busy with grandsons David and Nathaniel. To mark the end of this visit, Shawn and Bob invited us for a pancake supper featuring maple syrup they bought when they were in Vermont. It was bitter-sweet for me, because I know how much Logan and David enjoy playing games together. There SHOULD have been more time, but David was usually working when Logan was free.
Logan’s manners were wonderful as he sat through the leisurely meal. Finally he asked if he and David could be excused from the table. As they got up, David admitted that Logan had quietly asked him to play checkers many times. I had to take a shot of Logan’s position after they switched to a different game. One foot was on the coffee table, and I think the other was on the floor. Logan’s concentration was such that I doubt he knew I took a flash photo.
The rest of the adults chatted for a bit at the table.
Our daughter Kate was with us for one full day. She drove down from New Jersey to pick up David and take him to college in New York.
Logan and the youngest of the adults played Uno for several rounds.
When it was time to go, David and John swung Logan over their heads. In the photo, the boy is just a blur, high in the air. Nathaniel missed all this fun because he was working. That was the hallmark of our summer – juggling schedules.
The next morning I spotted David’s final balancing act of the season. The ice cream scoop was hanging precariously over the sink. I was already missing you before you left, David. Can’t wait for you and Kate to come back!
Mehrling Muse 
It is so hard for a happy visit with loved ones to end. I cry most every time. Best wishes for college and the balancing act is a delightful “calling card”.
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I usually make myself busy so that I don’t cry. I don’t know why today was more difficult. Regret was a bit of it. We didn’t do all the things we wanted to do. David worked five days a week, which is quite a bit more than he did last year.
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I used to cheerfully tell my kids good bye, then go in and cry a good while. I was melancholy for days! My friends can attest. It is still hard. Farming for generations kept us all nearby=like next door-I so miss those days! I am going to stop now-lest I cry again!
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It is hard when people who used to be physically close are now far away. 800 miles will separate us from daughter and grandsons. Email, blogs, and Facebook certainly help. I’ve been texting with David while his mother drives.
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Can you imagine years ago when children left for the unknown-and no communication! I can not!
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It boggles my mind.
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Goodbyes are so hard…
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I also cry when it is time to leave loved ones or have them leave me. I try so hard not too and sometimes it works! Family time is the best and from reading your blog lately, it looks like you surely enjoyed this special time.
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We have rich memories! The more time we spend with the grandsons, the more likely they are to remember us.
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Also, I love that you live in the mountains of North Carolina. I love Western NC particularly the area around Asheville. It is so beautiful!!!!
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We are spoiled with beautiful scenery. Of course, we wanted a good view when we were house hunting. We were blessed with 24-hour scenery. Can’t ask for more. Every Sunday we drive from Waynesville to Asheville, and we drink in the mountain scenes.
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Such a bittersweet day! You were lucky to have the grands with you this summer and it was so nice that you shared it with all of us.
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After waving goodbye, I hugged Nathaniel and told him how happy I was that he would be here a while longer. It’s almost unbearable when everyone leaves at once.
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I would feel like that too.
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You have a lovely family Anne 🙂
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Thank you, Arlene. I’ve just hung up from chatting with David and Kate. We have talked and texted during the day as they drove the 800 miles to New Jersey.
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It’s nice to have the technology to keep us in the loop isn’t it?! I love reading about your family and what a great shot that was with Logan and David and John!
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The shot of my fellows flipping Logan was a very lucky one. It all happened quickly. It’s like leading with a gun — you shoot before the target gets there.
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He must love hanging with you guys! Y’all treat him like family.
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Anne
As they say – meeting is sweet, parting is pain.
Each moment is precious that we spend with loved ones.
David looks pre occupied in the picture too.
When my children travel, I do feel sad but don’t cry often.
When I left my mother, this time, she cried like her heart was breaking.
Susie
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Your mother had been through a lot. Perhaps her tears came because she was a bit weak. I hardly ever cried until I was middle aged. Perhaps more things truly touched my heart. I am probably odd, but I always shed a few tears at a wedding and hardly ever cry at funerals.
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So many sweet friend and family moments in your post…a perfect ending…the ice cream scoop. You live a lovely life Anne.
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Yes, we have been richly blessed. Our older grandson is now back on campus, ready to help with the international orientation. The chef grandson is creating an eclipse cake for next week. Oh! With your mention of the ice cream scoop as a perfect ending, I thought of Friendly’s restaurant with their happy ending — a scoop of ice cream. We certainly went through our share of ice cream this summer! Sweet thought!
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What a wonderful summer! Hopefully they’ll be back for another visit before too long.
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We hope they’ll be here around Christmas. Do you ever have family stay with you for any holidays?
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What a great summer Anne and so full of great memories. Your grandsons look like such amazing young men….you must be so proud.
I love the “last balancing act”!
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We love those grandsons to bits. One of the things I enjoy most is that they get along so well with each other. They are half brothers and grew up in different households. They treasure their time together. What joy!
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What a blessing!
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What a nice summer you’ve had with your grandsons. Great pictures of all the activities!
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Thank you. It has been a very special summer for us.
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