Growing Up With A Village

I have vivid memories of growing up with a "Village" of family members throughout our town. My parents' friends and their kids were a vital part of my upbringing. I am sure my sisters feel the same way. I liked having older and "other" siblings in my extended family. I hoped that when we moved to our new home that we would be able to provide that for our boys. After last night, I saw that we had.

I have previously commented about how great our neighbors and their kids are. We are so fortunate to have such a warm and friendly neighborhood. My boys don't feel the slightest bit shy about walking right into our neighbors garage and punching the punching bags or knocking on their door to see if they are home to solicit a special snack. Mac even has a secret hiding place in their pantry for his own treats!!! And Eli...I have to really watch him so that he doesn't just walk right across the street to our other neighbor's house when they come outside with their girls.

Last night, during our weekly "Aloha Friday" festivities, we headed to the pool for a cookout. It was a great and new experience, because there were new friends there who aren't normally here on Friday evenings. What is so great about having these get-togethers is, it seems like their are always new people there, and everyone brings with them their own "flavor." The kids, subsequently, get new friends to get to know.

Well...as I watched the kids swimming in the pool, I see Eli playing with Ella, Mac on Drew's shoulders playing a game of Chicken with some other boys. The girls are getting to know each other and prancing around the pool. Suddenly, a group of kids run over to the pond to check out the gator. And then it hit me...This is how I grew up. All different ages of kids hanging out. The older ones leading the way, the younger ones trying to vy for the attention of the older ones. It was great! I had flashbacks of vacations to Kentucky Lake, Fourth of July parties, Halloween gatherings in our basement, and Caroling parties at the Dwyers'. And this neighborhood is reminding me of my neighborhood growing up.

How blessed are we to have such a wonderful group of friends. In fact, tonight, I am heading out with all the ladies of last night, plus another 10 or so from another street for a Girls' Night Out, while the boys hang out here at our house for a Fish Fry.

Too FUN!!!