Fun in the Sun

So how's your summer going?

Swimmingly I hope.

We have been busy, although it doesn't seem like we stray very far from home and we are always exhausted by the time we get back, even if it's just to play in the back yard.  The heat will do that to ya, ya know.

We have had play dates with friends, both old and new.

Found a new park in the middle of suburbia, with a pool and a little bit of wilderness.

Saw some cactus in bloom and identified some wildflowers, had a blast throwing rocks into the raging river and dipped our toes into an ice cold stream.  I had never really noticed how delicate and papery thin the flowers are on a cacti.

Had fun making "dinosaur skeletons" out of rocks and twigs.

Went to the zoo and saw some "real" dinosaurs and bones.

Rescued a gopher from the window well.  I think the time to put covers on the window wells is long past.  We have now rescued no fewer than three critters from its depths, a snake, a gopher and a baby skunk!

Fed some ducks, chased a chicken, "drove" a tractor.

We have even taken the time to stop and smell the roses.

And welcomed the rest that comes at the end of the day.

So, what have you been doing all summer?

A Week in Review

Today was another glorious summer day, actually this whole week has been just lovely.

I have been getting up and going for a walk some mornings and have enjoyed the solitude and the scenery.

It was warm enough Wednesday to get the wading pool out of the garage for the boys.  HT was in heaven and wanted me to immediately call all his friends and invite them over.  He was so sure that they would all come that when I told him that I hadn't called any one, he stomped his foot very indignantly and said "Why not!" "Humpf!"  "Then who will I play with?"  I told him he could play with his brother but he was having a hard time being gracious.

Some days I have a hard time too.

I suppose that's when I really should stop and reflect on my blessings.

Like splashing in puddles on the driveway made from the sprinklers.

Like watching toddler legs running.

Too cute!

Thursday was a busy day, we spent our morning at the park with friends, had a lunch date with Papa, but he had to cancel so we ate lunch at home and then had a nap.

Well, one of us had a nap.  Pretty sure it wasn't me.

Then Auntie got home and we went to Bountiful for the Farmers Market.

It was opening day.

I was underwhelmed.

There were more vendors there selling tchotchkes than fresh fruit and vegs.  But we did pick up a watermelon, some "fresh" peas and a few vine ripened tomatoes.

We came home to find Papa with an unexpected bouquet of flowers for Mama and the stress of wrangling two boys through a very busy day all melted away.

Thanks Papa!

On Friday Auntie took HT to the Salt Lake Arts Festival and he came home happy, tired and looking like spider man in a wizards hat.  I had a heck of a time scrubbing off the face paint.

And now today is done.

Today was fun.

Tomorrow will be another one.

Happy Sunday everyone.

Summer!

Today was the first day of summer and it was a gloriously beautiful day, the kind of day one dreams about mid January.  The kind of day where the sun takes pride in the blue sky, bouncing rays of golden light through the scattering clouds.

A day for swinging at the park,
for eating popsicles on the back porch.

A day for an early morning walk.

HT would race down the sidewalk from tree to tree and rest in its shade.

EM tried to follow as fast as his little legs could carry him.  He bounces when he runs and it is so dang cute.  I keep telling myself to get a video.  Perhaps tomorrow.  We had video of HT running but lost it when the computer crashed the last time.   He would hold one arm behind him as a ballast and swing the other one as fast as he could pumping with all his might.  (Sigh)

It seems inconceivable to me that one year ago EM wasn't even walking let alone running.

People keep telling me that having had my children later in life (40's) that they will keep me young.  Quite frankly I think they are making me older faster.  Some days it is impossible to keep up.

Today was one of those days.

And I wouldn't have traded it for the world.