SPRING FAMILY MERRY GO ROUND ( APRIL 29 - MAY 18, 2017)

We left South Carolina for Indiana and made every flight with no difficulty.  So far, flying standby has not been a problem.  We left behind the ocean and beach for the warmth of family in both Indiana and Missouri.  It was a little bit like being on a merry-go-round!

First, in Indiana, we enjoyed soccer matches (Adelyn) in Westfield, Indiana, where she even managed to score a smooth goal off a corner kick and a Volleyball Tournament in Indianapolis (Abigail) where her team won its division, and she made some outstanding plays.  Oh yes, did I mention that the Soccer game and the Volleyball Tournament were on the same Saturday about 40 miles apart?

Next, after a few days at the cabin and visiting Sherry's mom, it was jump a couple of planes (no problems) and end up in Battlefield, Missouri with Aaron's family.  Austin was graduating from High School, so it was getting things ready for an Open House.  Christian had his 14th birthday so a trip to Orange Leaf in Springfield was in order.  Also, Justin and Austin had a band concert the night before all but one of the four grandsons left with Aaron and Jennifer for Olivet Nazarene University.
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Now, with all but Ethan gone, it meant early morning, 15 mile trips taking him to his school in Republic, as well as making sure he was good to go for his sixth grade band concert.  Attending the concert was an awesome experience.

That just left church on Sunday morning, an afternoon High School graduation service at Missouri State University, and a 4 hour Open House back in Battlefield.  We are so proud of Austin!  He has grown into a wonderful young man of faith.  Talented and humble, I believe that our Lord has some great plans for him.  He will mark the third generation of Dicers at Olivet Nazarene University, and I know he'll make us proud.

Up at 3 a.m. the next morning, we retraced our flight path and arrived back in Indiana in time for Abigail's Orchestra Concert.  As I write this blog I must confess that I am ready for a long nap but now it's down to Bloomington, Indiana to see Sherry's mom for the day, pack up for our three week adventure in Michigan with friends, and catch a 5:30 a.m. flight to somewhere.

REFLECTIONS

Whew....I got warn out just writing this piece!  Round and round we went from place to place, from activity to activity, from game to game, from concert to concert.

It reminded me of several things.  It reminded me that I am perhaps too old for all of this, and that parents have a real challenge to juggle schedules and plans to make it all happen for the benefit of their children.  I really don't know how they do it!  I thought that it was hectic when we had kids at home but, somehow, it seems more frantic now.  I applaud all you who make it happen for your families these days.  You are special.

It reminded me that, although it is a "go round", it is a "Merry" one. Don't get so wrapped up in the logistics and craziness that you miss out on the merriness! Enjoy these days as parents and grandparents.  Be merry, and let the kids by merry.  Don't push too hard, don't demand too much.  Just have fun with them while they have fun playing the game or the instrument.  Enjoy every moment.  Be Blessed.