Memorial Day

It was true Americana at its finest as we sat outside in the beautiful Texas contry side with Cicadas chirping, the smell of sunscreen & bbq, and the sound of early american rock n'roll...In deed we felt very grateful to be enjoying such a wonderful day in such a wonderful country!  It is because of the many men and women who faught for this country that we can enjoy this kind of life today!  It was their moral courage and commitment to families and nation that fueled their strength. 

We had a wonderful time at the Gardiner homestead.  Softball, swimming, zipline, laughs, and good food, LOTS.OF.GOOD. FOOD!....(you see the Williams and the Gardiners dont mess around when it comes to food!)

This is a walking stick that is the size of my four arm...not sure something that size should still be considered an insect..

A grass hopper the size of my fist....

The playhouse

the horse swing

 

Ren is crazy and loves to jump off the rock ledge

Rylan's favorite question is "Do I look cool?"  and as you can tell, he does!

The big slide with Dad....

The handoff

The catch

Yay!! We did it!!

This is the swim competition...Yes we had swimming races...I know it looks like they are doing syncronised swimmin...but for the record it was actually a tie! 

 After a long day of play, time to chill in the theater for a movie....

My cute little garden bugs!

How cute are these two little ones?  They certainly like dirt and plants! It is in their blood...they get it from both sides of the family...They LOVE to be outside in the mud or sand chasing bugs and playing in the yard and garden.  The other day I went to wash Rens hands and his fist was closed so tight and he would not open it... I finally pried his fingers open so I could scrub those dirty paws and there was a rolly pollie!  I have also found snails in the wash (yes, at the end of the wash cycle) and "families" of rolly pollies sitting on side tables or other random spots. At least it is just bugs so far!

 I guess I complained long enough about the side yard that need some work and Russ went the extra mile and laid down limestone slabs and built an awesome sandbox for the boys!  Yes, they are in their pj's...they cant wait to get outside!  So voila! What was once an eye sore side yard is now a great play place for the boys and home to a wonderful sandbox!!  Sandboxes never get old and are just great for a little boy's soul!! Perhaps that is why Zen Gardens have lasted through the ages and have such therapeutic value!

The Graduate

Rylan finished his last and final year of preschool. He is headed off to the big time!  Thus starts the school routine.  Life will never be the same!  He is excited and ready!!  I am so sad- not ready at all....I was enjoying having my kids home with me, flexible schedules, parks, play dates, crafts, baking together. I will miss these days!!  I love having him around! His little brother loves having him around!  We did another round of preschool co-op with some fabulous friends of ours. 

I love preschool co-ops (obviously-- if the thought of kindergarten and sending my kids off causes tears-yes I am "attached"- you could see why sharing in on the teaching and the home environment appeals to me.)  The women I have got to work with over the last two years of co-ops have taught me a ton! They are fabulous with kids, and teaching, and creative, and sweet!! Having done this I have an even greater respect and appreciation for the educators and teachers and homeschool moms who do this full time! It is exhausting and lots of work!! Teachers do not get paid near enough for the work they do!!!

We did some fun things and had some great moments!  A few of my favorite...when doing yoga calm down exercises- adorable little Will always requested to do "Inner Peace", and they would strike some Zen looking pose and giggle!  and then there was little James, I would say "You are so cute!" to which he would promptly reply "No, I am not cute, I am cool!"  And Rylan would always be thrilled and excited each and every night before preschool and excitedly ask whose house it would be at...and when we hosted it or did a feild-trip he would say "I am glad you got to go to preschool with me!"  Melt my heart!

  

FiVe!!!