Many, Many Activities

over the past few days...

 

starting with help making pancakes in the morning,

the very popular (often fought over) swing that Toby put up, hanging from the willow tree out front, 

bubbles, bubbles,

and more bubbles,

Clarice teaching Simy more and more Spanish,

buckets to go

blueberry picking

and eating

and communing with cousins over,

and--don't mind this--the rubber alligator

 getting his fill,

 

and all the kids getting their fill!

The Lake!

Swimming in the morning is blissful, especially since it's been so hot.

Clarice manages to watch every kid at once.  Gwen and Clarice are very near knowing how to swim.

Max choses sand play,

Tulip especially likes cooling off--Simon helps.

Sam captures it all on his camera,

Then it's a weary climb back up to the house, for some.

Gwen showing off one of the new princess dresses.

And the very tired ones viewing a little TV before bed.

The M's and Sam Arrive!!!

Late last night--yet early this morning, it was all play

with horses (Tulip close by),

a slower wake-up for Max,

 

then cousin Clarice orchestrating it all!

Water Scenes

Taken with Rachel's wonderful camera... 

toys, waiting for children,

hands, getting sandy,

raking back the leaves,

calm sitting and playing,

 

the raft scene,

the dock scene,

getting hugs and kisses from small Simy!

Activities

After arising, pretending to go to a big school (which Gwen will, in the fall)

 

and Simon trying out kitchen cabinets for size, we spent much of the last two delightfully delicious days paddling around in the lake.

 

 

After naps, it was opening Rachel's 26 year old boxes and discovering many Barbies and toy horses = lots to play with. Dinner, a quick dip in the lake instead of baths, then bedtime.

Arrived!

 

Happy, and into things--

 

 namely Tulip.

Also, washing the bronze lady (Tante Ann, who sculpted her years ago, would totally approve).

 And climbing onto things--Simon's favorite activity.

Resting outside the Tamworth Library.  

Fun, fun to have them here!

 Every Year We Forget...

but it's important to remember

 

 that Tulip has a birthday too.

This year she'll be 15--but not too old to wander down to the lake,

 settle down in the midst of a project--this one recovering outdoor cushions,

and especially, roll around happily in the grass.

Yeah Tulip!!!!