A few years ago when we were house hunting one of the things at the top of our list was to find a house in an established neighborhood with lots of great trees.  We definitely found what we were looking for and every year I remind myself that a house with 20+ trees in the front yard is a blessing in the summer and a curse in the fall.  Well, it’s a curse in the fall for Clay and me because we have to rake and bag the leaves from 20+ trees, but it’s a fall wonderland for the kids.  Ethan had a friend come over last week and his friend asked if he could take some of our leaves home with him to play in.  It’s all about perspective…

Last week the kids and I stopped by the park on the absolute most beautiful day of the year and ended up spending most of the day there.  We typically just go and play on the playgrounds and swing and then leave.  But last week we explored the back side of the park and had a blast crossing the bridge, climbing on rocks, and the best part – playing on the 1970s exercise equipment.  It was hilarious hearing the kids try to come up with the uses for the different equipment pieces.  There are also some really random statues scattered throughout the park (like a boy laying on the groud using his feet to feed a dog a bottle – a little odd, right?) and that was an adventure by itself.  We made a quick McDonald’s run halfway through because I wasn’t prepared with lunch, and when we got back a boy from Ethan’s soccer team was there with his little sister so that doubled the excitement.  Looking forward to some more beautiful fall days around here.

In my little world, every day would have a list of things that have to get done, a list of things that probably should get done, and a list of things that sure would be fun to do.  Well, around May I started making a list of fun things we could do this summer and it wasn’t hard to fill it up.  So, in the spirit of embracing the summer, I ditched the lists of things that have to get done and probably should get done and we’re just focusing on the fun.  Lately we’ve been to The Tubes at Irving Bible Church (a great free activity if you live around here), to the splash park by ourselves (a completely different experience by yourselves than with a bunch of other people), Clay took the kids to a balloon festival which was really more of an aircraft show (check Nicole’s blog for pics), played in the front yard in the sprinklers, made some new friends (check Ashley’s blog for pics), went to the lake with some friends and let the kids go tubing, Ethan started t-ball practice, we’ve been to the park, and we’ve also been to the movies a couple of times.  Now if I can just get my back to start feeling better we’ll start exploring some other cool things on my list (anyone know of a black market that sells portable epidurals?  I’m thinking that’s the only way to go to get some relief at this point). 

At the park

Jack & E

At The Tubes

At the splash park

E & Sophia at the lake

Clay and Rachel tubing

Rachel dodging the sprinkler

E in the sprinkler

And as a side note, Rachel has been speaking another language for the past 2 days. 

Oh, glorious summer.  Last year I did not embrace summer.  In fact, I think I may have even cursed it a few times.  However, we’ve kicked off this summer with new attitudes, a general love of the water by all, no swim diapers or morning naps, and lots of fun to be had.  It’s week 2 and we already have a nice tan brewing…gonna be a great summer.

I really think God was laughing when He created Rachel.  She is unlike any other child I’ve known.  Of course I love that about her, but it really does keep me on my toes.  Today we were at the park with some friends and one of the moms said, “You must grin all day long at her.”  My response?  “I’m either grinning or gritting.” 

Grinning?  When I took Ethan to the bathroom at swim lessons this morning and I turn around to find her doing this:

Gritting?  When we’re at the splash park, she has to use the bathroom, and she can’t wait the 5 seconds it will take me to stand up so she just pulls her swimsuit to the side and goes to town right there in the grass…in front of everyone.  (Yes, Mom, I know I totally deserve that one)

I know I won’t really appreciate the joy of spring break until my kids are in school, but we’re living it up here.  I can’t remember the last time we’ve had so many beautiful days in a row.  Monday I took the kids to the Botanic Garden and I wish we could have stayed longer.  These photos were taken just before Rachel kicked my flip-flopped foot and broke my toenail in half:

After Rachel’s nap playing in her bed and opening all of her blinds time, we went to a little park at the lake.  The kids weren’t that interested in the playground, but we sat on the fishing pier for about an hour watching the boats and fishermen.  After this experience Ethan has added a canoe to his growing wish list.

We had a picnic on the porch that night when Clay got home.  Rachel is pantless because she was helping crack the eggs and splatted one right in her lap.  And just so that I always remember, this photo was taken just before a call to poison control because Clay and I were practicing our communication skills and both gave Ethan his allergy medicine after he had just had some Benadryl.  Good times.

Yesterday afternoon Nicole and I took our kids to a new park and packed a picnic dinner so Clay and Brent could meet us there when they left work.  When I got home I realized that a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is no longer acceptable to me for dinner, but we did have a great time letting the kids run around and ride their bikes.

And then today the kids and I met some friends from church at another park for a picnic lunch.  The photo of Rachel and Lane was taken just before she wet her pants on the slide.  Ever wonder what all is on a public park slide?  Well, now you know.  Gross.

Not sure what tomorrow holds in store, but I have a feeling it will include being at a park – apparently my spring break creativity ends there!