Summer game

The kids are still of the opinion that our backyard is the best place to spend their summer.
A little while ago we unearthed a rock patio from a mass of tangled ivy vines and a good 4-6 inches of dirt. I saw what I decided was the best spot for our garden (great sun exposure, level, slightly out of the way). When I sunk my shovel in to turn over the dirt I hit rock. And more rock. And more rock. Then I realized there was a long forgotten patio that had become completely overgrown. The kids and I have been working to excavate it ever since. Today we got it almost all cleared. It took way too much work, I know why all the other residents left it as is, but the kids enjoyed hacking and slashing and digging out their own ruins. It helps that Reuben has an old National Geographic with photos of archeological work being done on Angkor Wat and Mayan temples.

Anyway, now that we have our little patio we have a place to use our long dormant sidewalk chalk. Today the kids and I made up a game. I drew out the letters of their name among the different stones and they tried to jump along the letters to spell out their names or words or nonsense sounds. It was slightly educational-ish and entertaining so I thought I'd share.

Code Orange

The radios have declared a code orange and encouraged keeping the young safely shuttered inside. Perhaps it is because my children were raised in houses without AC, but they adamantly refuse to seek refuge in our house. We have spent our days and ways in our backyard. This despite temperatures climbing to hover just under 100 and an accompanying inescapable steamy, sticky humidity.

Here are a few things the kids like to do in the heat:
Play in the plastic turtle sand box turned pool
Chase butterflies
Stalk honey bees (our neighbor keeps a couple hives)
Yell at wood bees
Help water the garden
Help braid and Wear clover chains
Weed
Dig in the dirt
Capture worms and Sow bugs
Plant seeds
Spray each other with the hose
Have a tea party
Draw
Have picnics.
Read books
Chase squirrels
Watch birds

They actually begged to have all their meals outside and cried when I refused to let them sleep outside. In short the 90+ degree heat seems their favorite weather. Perhaps they are actually reptiles? M is at least amphibious.

Dad Day

Today I'm feeling grateful for the many Dads in my life. My Dad, my Grandpa Bob, Aaron, my kids' Papa, as well as the Dads who have passed on, great Grandpa Don and my Grandpa Buzz and others before them. Good fathers strengthen their family.

Speaking of strength, my kids are lucky. They have a dad capable of some pretty extraordinary (if not completely safe) feats of strength. Can your Dad hold one child on his back while throwing and catching another child out of the air? Feats of strength. I love this guy.

Sunday Stroll

We spent the morning enjoying the National Cathedral and it's accompanying bishop's garden.

The kids had a lot of questions about the structure of the building, the depictions in the art, and what things like the holy water and prayer candles were. Walking among the many statues, tapestries, and carvings Miriam liked pointing out baby Jesus with his mommy - the child has an uncanny eye for Mary. Reuben told us his favorite things were the windows and the chunks of stone that toppled off and shattered in the earthquake.

After touring the cathedral we explored the bishop's garden which was blooming and alive and filled with picnickers. The kids ran wild then found a quiet shady bench in a stone alcove where we sat and shared crackers and chatted together. It was lovely.

I forgot my camera at home so we only have a single picture Aaron snapped with his phone. Reuben and I are examining the brass gates together.

The Beautiful Sky

Some friends had a party in their backyard the other night. I found Reuben laying on his back in the grass. 

He said, Hey Mom. Do you know what I'm doing? 

I told him I did not. 

He said, "I"m looking up at this Beautiful sky."

Aaron joined Reuben in his sky gazing.

Miriam joined in too.

Miriam and Reuben figured how to ride the tire swing at the same time. Can you spot Reuben?

Aaron makes Miriam laugh.

Sweet Magnolias

Here are pictures of our Sunday morning hike.
Reuben decided he wanted direct access to the snacks so he shouldered the snack bag.

Not to be out done Miri found herself a bag and carried it for miles.

The weather was perfect, the magnolias were blooming, and we were together. Life is good.