A little update

It's been a wonderful last couple of weeks. Our neighbors with the triplets just returned from their month in Canada and Sela and Nina were thrilled to hear their voices at the back fence this week. We've maintained our low key summer and I have to say it has been one of my best summers yet. The days are longer and more joyful when we don't have to be running all over the place. There are so many great programs and concerts and other activities around here in the summer, many of which we have participated in over the past few years and likely will again, but this summer has been different. The kids are at perfect ages where they are content to be home and outide from dusk till dawn. They can entertain themselves and each other with little intervention. I just bring them snacks and smoothies now and then, grab the tape and scissors and find some props for their latest idea, and they are happy. There is always a playmate and lots of open space. We share a fence with two families and between each of us, we have 8 girls and 15 acres for the kids to roam on. There are no streets in between making it very safe. I had lots of ideas for little camps to do with the kids this summer at our house, but I've decided to do the activities more in the winter when we will be inside. Why mess with little imaginations already running wild and creating their own fun.

I started taking the kids to play tennis a couple of times a week at a nearby junior high. Nina did surprisingly well which was really fun for me to see. She swelled with pride when I told her how much she's improved and several times afterwards she kept saying "Mom, tennis is my special thing I'm good at, right?" So precious. We try to take some friends with us each time so we have enough kids to do little drills and play games. Plus, it's more fun!

Eric and Ben began the treehouse last week. We love to watch the progress each day.

Rollin is doing a little bit of nature boy potty training again and was sure happy to tell us that he wizzed on a rock this morning. Every day there is another reason to be thankful we moved to the country!

Lastly, Mom arrived this week which is always exciting and greatly anticipated by all. She has already cleaned out my fridge, dusted the whole house, reorganized my furniture, read "the friend" to the kids and the list goes on. This is on day 1 after coming here on no sleep directly from a vacation to Bermuda. Wonderwoman is in the house! I told her to just sit on the porch and read and relax, but she is a busy bee, happy only when in constant motion. We love having her and I feel like a slacker right now on the computer while she is trying to pressure wash our patio with a garden hose ;)



Kona still pretty chill for a puppy


Sela lost another tooth



Sela released 400 ladybugs to keep the aphids at bay.




Fun with Q-tips


Nina ready for church



Another favorite flower


Some of our last berries