Water, Water Everywhere....

"Water, water everywhere, 

Water near and far, 

Let's use our hands and feet 

To count how many kinds there are!"

-Water Bath Book by Baby Einstein

With the sweltering summer heat, comes water!

In our neck of the woods, playing with water is a daily occurrence, 

out of not only entertainment, but necessity too!  

Keeping everyone cool, keeps everyone happy.

Whether it be the anxious first swimming lessons of the summer,

first sips from the watering hose on the front drive,

a boat ride, 

or just the simple pleasures of the molded plastic pool in the backyard...

water is our salvation!

Hot, sweaty, fussy kids are no fun, especially when they cling to you.

Can it be?

Can it be that these two have spent 3 years growing, laughing, running, playing, learning and dancing together?  How does the time pass so quick with little ones around?   Can it be that 3 years are over?

I am awe-struck by these sweet friends and the joy they bring to each other and the people around them.  Thank you, sweet friend, for being our good friend!  We love you!

Safe and sound...

As my little babe tries to sleep off nasty infected ears, throat and lungs, she sleeps safe and sound in her Daddy's arms.  It is so sadly sweet when they fall asleep in your arms after being up most of the night.  Sweaty wisps of baby hair, cuddling close, the reassuring sound of a little breath close to your chest are some consolation for the little ears that keep getting infected.  Sleep safe and sound, my sweet babe.

“A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you’ve been taking. ”

― Earl Wilson

I'm ready for a long weekend, not here, of course but just a few days 
that are all about relaxing and the start of summer!

How about you?  

Whatever you are doing or wherever you are going,
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Pretty Whites...

I received a lovely plant that was just beginning to bloom for Mother's Day a few weeks ago.  It is blooming more beautiful and bountiful than any other plant I have ever seen.  It's creamy white flowers remind me of carefree linen, soft cotton poplin, white sand beaches, translucent edges of white seashells and all things I love about the season we are about to embark upon.

These perfectly sweet creamy/beachy dress makes me think of the effortless way a cotton summer dress should sway in the wind, ever-so-gently wisping by your tanned summer legs.

The nautilus shell has the perfect creamy white edges that make it a classic beauty.

And these white sand beaches are the ultimate summer treat!  

I hope you are inspired by a wonderful color this summer season!

Fabulous Find: Porcelain Fruit/Veggie Basket

Oh dear, when it comes to anything that is white and porcelain, I'm sold!  I recently ran across these lovely little porcelain fruit and vegetable baskets.

Wouldn't they make a sweet little centerpiece on your summer table?  A fun way to display those pesky fruit and vegetables your little ones turn their noses at?  After looking at them long enough, I'm sure they'd want to try some!  They are a bit pricey but good quality porcelain lasts a lifetime!

Television?

I have always carefully monitored what my children watch on television.  We have chosen to forgo cable television so that the only type of television my children have access to is Public Television (PBS).  I have been super pleased with the educational programming PBS offers.  Some of their shows helped with the learning of letters, numbers and colors for my big girl at an early age.  I attribute this learning from not only our efforts and her intense interest, but to the wonderful programming PBS offers.  Not only is the programming educational but it also instills creative thinking and good values (something every preschooler needs to hear from someone other than mom and dad).

Some of our favorite PBS shows are:

  

BabyCenter recently posted an article on good programming for children.  Their list combines PBS as well as cable shows.

What kind of TV censoring do you use in your house?  Do you set a time limit for watching?  

I would always rather my children be playing outside, doing a puzzle, coloring, dancing, or pretending...BUT I think a little quality television is ok too.