Summer time is here....

School is out! It is finally warm! We have enjoyed some of the nicest weather this spring/summer. The kids got a kiddie pool from Mimi. I mowed it down with the lawn mower. So, we now have another pool, and after less than a week with it, it sprung a leak. HAH! I get my mowing skills from my Momma, what can I say? (Yes, it is possible to mow down a volleyball net that is standing up, just ask her).

Cutest Swimmer EVER!

We have been hanging pretty close to home so far this summer, or going to my parents. We are keeping our extracurricular activities very low for the next few months, but are finding all sorts of things to do around the house. It keeps us busy but all together. Its a nice break from the busy school year.

I bought several little things for the kiddos to have fun with while I am still working on getting my energy back enough to start getting out and doing more. Sprinkler, slip n slide, water guns, badmitten set, bubbles galore. Little things give them alot of fun that they can do around the house.

Another thing they are enjoying to do is to have a scavenger hunt. Nothing fancy, but I will tell them to bring me a pinecone, or a wild flower, or to find a "special" rock, or find a bird, anything. They love that game and it gets them outside and running out their energy.

One evening Ricky took us all on a nature walk at the State Park. He taught them all about things in the woods, how to watch for snakes around logs (yes we saw a snake), and a lizard, and a woodpecker, and some deer, and some frogs. He teaches them all sorts of neat things outside and they soak it up. (He says all kinds of things that I never knew, so I get a nature lesson too on these outings.)

A sweet little Momma bird had made a nest on my front porch in one of my ferns, where she laid 4 perfect eggs. Me and the kids kept watch over the eggs every day and finally on Memorial Day the first one hatched. Now they all are growing feathers and finding their voices and learning to fly. Its fun for us to watch them grow every day.

We have a pet turtle currently, who has taken up residence in a large box on the porch. Not sure if he has a name yet, but the kids are enjoying cleaning his box out and feeding him all sorts of goodies.

Laney and her turtle taking a ride in the pool

Speaking of reptiles. One evening last week I was taking a bath upstairs while Ricky played with the kids. When I came out to the porch this is what I saw. THANKS DADDY!! But, he did go on to give them a good lesson on identifying snakes and what kind they are. Thankfully, for my sake, he ended it with get Momma or Daddy anytime you see any snake. (I'm thinking get Dad, Mom doesn't want to see it! :)

Laney K and I have been doing alot of side walk chalk on our walk way. Every time it rains and washes it away she gets me back out there and we get back to work putting it back. It is very colorful to say the least. And Cheerful! :)

Beautiful Artist

Our little pond has provided us with some fun fishing experiences for the kids too. The fish are tiny in there, but it is fun to let them take their poles out, dig up worms and see who can catch the most fish.

Caleb with his big catch (And his wonderful Daddy!)

Well, that is a round up of our first half of summer. Nothing too exciting but we are all together and that is my favorite place for us to be. Hope you have a blessed summer.