Summer Is Here

It’s hot and sticky and summer is in full bloom.  Right now the temperature has risen to a near 100 degrees, making it miserable for a day outside.  We are hunkered down in the basement engaged in some dramatic dollhouse play including a space shuttle and a Daddy that only does boring paperwork.  The end of June is upon us and this month as flown by.  Let’s attempt a bit of catch up with pictures making up for my lack of wanting to write a lot. 

Noelle did a week of horse camp last week.  She was thrilled to attend, enjoying each day with the horses.  On Friday they did a show for all the parents.  Two hours in the 90+ degree weather, sitting on bleachers surrounded with only black dirt and three rambunctious children was a mental marathon for me.  I kept my cool, received compliments on the well behaved children, and watched Noelle ride and walk her stubborn pregnant horse around the arena.  While Zane sat in the dirt, picking up handfuls and burying his feet but kept occupied, I admired Noelle as she walked around the rink.  Honey, her horse was like a pregnant women, very hungry and wanted every piece of food in sight.  She bent her head in determination to eat the grounded hay and Noelle had to fiercely yank her head up and pull her along.  She showed me her authority.  Although quiet she has a hidden snippet of strength that is growing with age.  This camp feeds her confidence and I am happy she is able to go.  Next year Max will be 5 and has expressed much interest in going as well.  Oh boy, better start saving now!

Besides horse camp or days have included many dips in our little pool.  After much debate and consideration we decided on a 12’ x 36” easy set pool.  The children are able to stand, but can still go under the water.  As they get older a bigger pool will be in our future but for now this is perfect.  They have really enjoyed the ability to submerge themselves in the cool water on these hot days. 

Besides being able to jump in and cool off the pool has had an added advantage of tiring out kids!  My children are not known for falling asleep at the drop of a hat, or taking naps until they are well into their preschool years.  At about 2 we are done napping for the most part.  But with daily swimming and early rising I will randomly find children fast asleep on the floor!  Bonus!

The foursome are working on playing together without fighting.  Of course, it still happens, a lot, but their imaginations are melting together creating scenerios that excite them and make me smile.