A day at the river.

There is something about going down to my Grandpa's.  It's a place where I can breathe deep, and a place where time slows no matter how short the visit.  My soul always finds rest there.

The weather was perfect for a day at the river; hot, humid, a slight breeze, and not too sunny.

Gifts:
452.  The sound of the river gurgling, and trees swaying.

453.  Boy laughter as rocks skip and splash.

453.  Holding hands with my "baby boy" as we hop from rock to rock only to fall in once or twice.

454.  Amazed that my oldest is able and willing to jump into the river at seven.

455.  Good conversation.

456.  Freshly picked berries with red stained fingers and faces.

457.  Boy hands almost as big as mine.

458.  The smell of grilled food wafting through the air.
459.  Red hot dogs.
460.  Porch steps, a make shift table.

461.  The smell of freshly cut hay from across the road.
462.  Sleeping boys minutes into the car ride.
463.  Roads weaving through nature.

Summer begins

Our last day of science class.  We finished up our pond unit with lots of painting, lots of eating, and successful salamander hunt in the pouring rain.

With the beginning of summer I can't help but slow and see.  My coffee takes a little bit longer, my goodbyes before work are harder, and the joy in my heart is full.

Just starting our second week of summer break we have already been down to my home town, been to the beach, and the boys have had a sleep over at Nana's.  Little boy legs are covered in dirt, scrapes, and bruises, a sure sign summer has arrived, and every once in a while I stop to enjoy the peeping of my almost grown chicks.  Yes, my heart is full.

406.  Birds singing.
407.  Freshly cut grass and the sound of lawn mower engines.
408.  Nails pounding & chicken runs created.
409.  Wind blowing & waves lapping sandy shores.

410.  Sun shining on bare toes.
411.  Dirt covered boys.
412.  Bugs to entertain and be loved.
413.  Crickets lulling the forest to sleep.

414.  The smell of smoke on our clothes.
415.  Charred hot dogs.
420.  Large decks with chairs full & laughter echoing.
421.  Big back yards.

422.  Boys still small enough to swing with me.
423.  Swing set climbed, trees climbed, everything climbed.
424.  No broken bones as of yet.
425.  Curtains blowing in the breeze.

426.  Crisp grapes on hot days.
427.  Watermelon.
428.  A camera to capture the beauty of the moment.
429.  A God who creates for sheer pleasure.

430.  Nature working together to live.
431.  A crew I trust.
432.  A husband who loves me.
433.  Being in the here and now, slowing to see.

Here's to the kick off of a joy filled summer.

Corn maze

It's when the fall list begins that we know it's time.

August always brings a "To do list" of things we need to get done.

The list looks something like this:
~ Buy, split & stack the wood.
~ Clean the chimney.
~ Go through the house and make sure it's winterized.
~ Figure out what clothes the boys need to keep warm.
~ Pick apples for homemade apple sauce and some cranberry apple pies.
~ When will the corn maze be ready for us to conquer?

Turns out our favorite corn maze opened for exploration the same week we made our "To do list".

With the sun beating down on us, four maps, a toy car and a camera we set out in a field of corn.  90 minutes later we emerged on the other side feeling accomplished.

And soon we will be back for some of these...

Gifts 182 - 186.
~ Sunny, simple days.
~ Family fun just down the road.
~ Little boys and there cars.
~ Passing on some map skills in a forest of corn.
~ Looking forward to what is to come-baked apples, crisp days, & a full pantry.

This is what it's all about...

148.  Slow summer days.

149.  Vibrant color.

 150.   Stooping it with baby girl.

151.  Breakfast on the deck.

152.  Critter finds.

153.  Coffee in the sun.

154.  "Momma look I made a snow angel in the sand."

155.  Relaxing days on the beach.

156.  Picnics.

157.  Daddy & boy fun.

158.  Grill food and chilled salads.

159.  Scraped up knees.

160.  Bare feet and shorts.

161.  Fresh veggies.

162.  Side walk chalk.

163.  Forts built, Strong man and five boys.

164.  Summer day fires.

165.  Books by the fire.

When all 10 stayed home.

The weather was perfect and the bugs stayed away while all the people were to play.

A few bubbles were blown, but mostly just puddles were made.

Sprinklers were used...

...and sun baths were taken.

Memories were captured...

...piggy toes and all.

Ducklings waddled away from baby girl.

Chicks were loved by all.

Grapes were planted with poles to climb....My knees are bruised, my arms are fire engine red, my voice sounds like a husky man, but I laughed tears and love tanks are full.

Gifts 139 - 147