The rocks are a balancing act

while the creatures are a test of courage.

There is so much to explore

and investigate

that it all feels a bit like an outdoor classroom.

Bonus: it is a ten minute drive from my doorstep.

is the best way to describe mommahood.

As I see two brothers growing up side by side

in healthy competition

as they push eachother

and play together.

I delight in the fearless nature of Henry

and the cautious disposition of Paul.

The cherry on top is the sister,

who is the unexpected delight of being a baby girl we all surround to adore.

We built a nest of twigs

for our baby bird

that we love to take care of

and she can only sit up for a few minutes 

before she falls over into a cuddle ball.

I can’t believe Ian turned sixteen…

simple math reminds that he was six when he was in our wedding.

(Ten years of marriage and this man has the exact same sense of humor)

So quickly will the same changes occur with my own boys

and even a baby girl who will one day be a teenager.

For now I am enjoying their enthusiasm for drinking soda,

sharing a dessert,

or taking a ride on a trolley.

These days are priceless.

morning

with book forts for reading

noon

Play at the Bay

evening

sleeping early

sleeping early 

the kids hardly knew I had the flu (something I ate Sunday night)

because they have been busy

grabbing at keys

playing dinosaur train

having an art party 

on the kitchen floor with markers

jamming on the drum set their father built 

sharing nectarines

sucking on toys left behind by brothers

requesting twin spider man balloons

counting

and practicing one-to-one correspondence.

Tomorrow I will be ready to head to the Bay.

a good ole fashioned tire swing

and trampoline

plus swimming

Happy Baby to Mike and Jessica..sometime this month.

A mini road trip

doing all things summerish:

eating outdoors,

fishing,

with much concentration and a little disappointment that he didn’t catch anything

thankfully the experience alone-thrilled him

roasting marshmallows

walking,

and soaking up as much of the daylight these little ones can handle.

It was getting long and shaggy

so this morning we did a little side trimming

I think with all this change around here, I might be ready to do the same.

I love pinterest for easy, festive ideas:

We celebrated with a little bit of pool time

and shade 

while swimming,

daydreaming,

relaxing,

snacking,

and playing

Hope you are doing some of the same.