Up to nothing

Lazy, lazy summer. We've not done a thing.

We could keep ourselves busy with house projects, sorting out the garage, organizing the closet, or just keeping busy with the usual daily chores. By the time you get the house clean, you could do it all over again. And yeah, I've gotten a lot done. Things that are impossible to squeeze in during the school year, like fresh molding and painting a few walls, but no huge projects.

And I suppose with all this free time, I could be doing some great art projects with the kids, or awesome field trips. But I am just enjoying a little time off, honestly. I still have to get myself to work, and maintain the normal motherly duties, and that keeps me busy enough. So a little bit of do nothing time is wonderfully refreshing.

We have been taking little walks, getting caught in a thunderstorm, heading back home, and going back out an hour later when the rain stops. Just because we can.
We have catching up on reading (for pleasure!) and pulling up the lawn chair to the kiddie pool to dip our toes. Life is good. Life is so good.

For those who know my family well, does this face remind you of anyone?

A picnic for two

I love picnics. I love picnics with my friends (old and new) and lots and lots of kids running and playing in every corner of my yard. I love my yard, too. It's a good thing seeing as how I live here. It's the perfect place to host a get together; plenty of shade, lots of great places to play. During the cold months, I can't host much because the house wont hold much of our family. Birthday parties are a bit cramped. But summer is when I can just say, "Come on over" and know there will be plenty of room.

Though I have much to write about this party, it is late, and these are a week old now, so I will just let you enjoy a few pictures...

Beautiful Day

Sigh. "Mommy, isn't this just a beautiful day?"

It really was. How could it not be?

With my sweet girl by my side, walking in the shade, catching a break from the hot sun,

...on our way to our favorite little get-away,

...where they are free to run,

...where we can explore God's creations,

 (Photo by Courtney)

...get a little silly,

...and be with those we love.

On our way to the Ice cream stand

 Can you believe this our first trip this year? Oh, it is certainly not our first ice cream cone of the summer, nor the first trip to an ice cream stand. Just the first walk to the Old Mill. (You know if you walk there you get to order a large because of the calories you just burned getting up that hill. That's logical, right?)

 (trying real hard not to smile every time I turned around with the camera- little stinker)

Little red wagon

little bit of the 4th