Flowery fun!

This morning we decided to take the kids to Wegerzyn Children's garden to play. This place is so wonderful for children. It teaches them to respect plants and to care for them in such a fun environment. They can experiment with music, play in the water and sand as well as a playhouse. They also get to see gorgeous flowers and plants which smell so good. We were babysitting a sweet five month old baby girl as well so we strolled around the garden while the crazies went nuts having fun. It was the best kind of summer fun. And how was the experience of having one extra in the crazy mix you ask??? No sweat!

Of ruined tomatoes and bare bottoms!

The kids have been having a great time this morning in the yard. The temperature is about 60 degrees and so it is perfect for spending lots of time outdoors. From what I can gather, they are playing rocket ship right now. As soon as Nathan got outside he removed his shorts and diaper (a ritual these days) and has been enjoying himself half naked. Of course popsicles were on the menu as well as quartered apples. Unfortunately I have had to keep a closer eye on them than normal due to a little incident yesterday. Leia and Spencer removed three tomatoes from one of our plants. Theres no chance of saving them. They are so tiny and so green. I hope the lecture we gave them plus threats of no swimming lessons will do the trick but I am still being vigilant non the less.

Oh yes, and one further little note. Leia swam half way across the YMCA pool yesterday completely unassisted. No noodle, or anything. We are very proud of her progress. Mummy can't remember when she learned to swim but Daddy didn't learn until he was in 5th or 6th grade! We are so blessed to have three wonderful kids who love life and are always full of joy.

Today I had to go do my weekly food shop. Spencer must have been in some sort of mood because he was asking every single person we walked past their name followed by various other questions/comments. Here are a few conversations that resulted:

Spencer: What's your name?

Rachel: Rachel, what's yours?

Spencer: I'm Spencer. Who's that? (pointing to the man with her)

Rachel: That's Dean

Spencer: Is he yours?

Rachel: Well he's my Dad.


Spencer: What's your name?

Carl: My name's Carl

Spencer: Your name's Carl is it?

Carl: Yes

Spencer: What's that?

Carl: A scanner

Spencer: And what's that?

Carl: A printer

Spencer: You have a watch on

Carl: Yes I do

Spencer: My Daddy gots a watch.


Spencer: What's your name:

Heather: Heather, what's yours?

Spencer: I'm Spencer. (pointing to a boy at least as old as him) What's your baby's name?

Heather: This is Hunter.


I just adore the innocence of children. Something as simple as asking someone their name is something we as adults rarely do. And the thought that we all belong to each other no matter if we are old or young is such a lovely thought. His simple enquiries put a smile on most people's faces. It is amazing to me how children can melt people's hearts and cause us to stop and smile occasionally in our very busy lives. I am so grateful for the blessing of being a mother and being entrusted with the three very very special spirits that are my children!

Watermelon!

As you can see these photos don't need explaining. My kids just love their fruit.

Red Shoes

Today Spencer wanted to wear a pair of Leia's shoes that she has grown out of. I don't mind him wearing any pair of shoes that he likes around the house but then he decided he wanted to keep wearing them when we went out to pick Leia up from school. I would have made him change if we had had the time but we were a little late getting out of the house. So there we were, walking several blocks to school with my very boyish boy sporting a fine pair of red patent leather shoes with a bow on top!!

Auntie Rach and Uncle Ben

Today we had to say goodbye to Auntie Rach and Uncle Ben after two weeks of fun. We all shed a few tears but mostly we are all so happy to have such a great family. Even though we are "back to being a regular family again" (as Leia said today), we are always thinking of our loved ones that live far away from us. Memories to remember from the trip include:

Nathan throwing up spectacularly on Auntie Rach

Uncle Ben and Leia playing golf on the Playstation

Uncle Ben and Nathan in the paddling pool

Auntie Rach and Uncle Ben's tireless dedication to pushing the kids on the swings

Balloon battles in TGI Fridays

Tent party in the backyard for the girls.