Summer comes to an end

The other day, a friend who I haven't seen much stopped by and asked me how my summer has been. I realized that it has been the best summer I have had in a very long time. It's not that we did some spectacular activity, instead, it was all of the simple activities that made it magical.
We started the summer with a trip to the beach, albeit a very rainy trip that was successful due to our careful planning of attending several tide pools that are only revealed at the lowest tide of the year. Despite the typical Oregon coast weather, we managed to marvel at the urchins, nudibranchs, one bright orange sun star and lightening fast hermit crabs of all colors and shapes.
We rented a house that was not directly on the beach and since we have a family rule to walk, not drive to the sand, you can imagine how cold and wet we were each time we slogged back to the house! The house was set up brilliantly for a family, the lower floor had a large jacuzzi tub right off the entrance. It didn't take much coaxing for the kids to strip down and suds up!
Kevin and I were forced to strip down too, but after dressing, made our way to the kitchen and prepared hot cocoa for everyone. Afternoons were spent reading books, talking a lot and listening to Cat Steven's greatest hits.
We weren't in Hawaii, and it wasn't warm but we were together, relaxed and about to begin a great summer.
~more soon.

Girls rule, boys .....!!!

I just spent a great day with the girls. Nick and Kevin are off to Boy Scout camp for the week leaving me with luxurious girl time. We went out to lunch and had Mississippi Pizza with shaved ice on the side. It was an interesting but yummy combo for a warm summer day! Kate chose watermelon and Annie chose grape flavor. I went with the more sophisticated mango concoction! After lunch we strolled down the street and poked our head into a few shops until we became restless for home. The girls spent hours playing with their Breyer Horses and creating bridles, blankets, saddles and the usual horsey accoutrement.

Later we took Holly for a walk through the neighborhood. Well, I took Holly for a walk and the girls scootered circles around us. I was amazed that Annie could jump off the ground with her scooter over a water hose that was laying across the sidewalk. Funny, I used to be able to do all sorts of things like that when I was her age, I don't know why, but I seem to marvel at Annie's ability to do it as though she is a great talent! Must be a mom thing!

We ended our evening with some cheese, crackers and lots of blueberries. When I tucked them in they both gave me a hug and told my that it was a great day.
~ Bon Nuit!

Surprise gift

This morning as I was drinking my coffee and perusing the garden i discovered the best surprise. A beautiful sunflower shot up amongst my tomato plants. I love the idea of birds dropping seeds in the right spots.