Summer Solstice!

As a child I spent many summers on the North Shore of Lake Superior visiting relatives and enjoying the gorgeous summer weather.  In that part of the country, the beginning of summer (Summer Solstice), means the celebration of light and warmth.

In the little town we visit, there is a splendid red-brick lighthouse that hosts a wonderful Summer Solstice celebration each year.

Photo source

Now, the festival has moved up the shore to another picturesque lake-side town.  I remember marveling at how excited people were to celebrate the change of season.  Here, in the South, we think nothing of the coming of summer.  It is just another hot day to survive.

Grab a glass of wine and a tray of delectable cheeses and take joy in celebrating the longest days of the year. Summer is upon us and what a glorious season it is...even in the South.  Enjoy the warmth of the sun and outdoors this summer season!  Happy Summer Solstice!

What can I get into...

With the babe's increased mobility, she has become quite the explorer...much more so than our big girl ever was.  This little explorer is wild at heart and sees no boundaries in her path.  We are learning with her and her quest for  adventure.

Recently, she learned how to climb into the little rocking chair.  I was so pleased when she climbed up and sat down.  As I was taking some pictures of her and our big boy, this happened...

then, she stood up in the chair and began to laugh and rock while standing up backward!  She has continued this little trick daily since she learned it.  We finally had to put away the rocker for awhile.

The babe also enjoys trying to take things off the table.  

In this picture she is attempting to take food from our dear friend.

And here...it was the markers.

I must say, I do enjoy a  little help with the dishes--as long as she doesn't climb up on the door while it is down and attempt to grab dishes from on top of the counter.

And those stairs, who can resist them when no one is looking...

This last adventure didn't bode too well with the big sister who covets her car.  

We love you and your wild ways, sweet babe!

Is it really raining?

This past week, we had the pleasure of having late-day thundershowers.  It provided such a reprieve from the already oppressive humidity and heat.  It reminded me of summertime in the mountains.

I loved watching my little one at the window. 

 It was almost as if she couldn't believe what she saw -- raindrops streaming down the window.

Rain is such a magical element for children.  I (hopefully) look forward to enjoying more late-day rain (not all day rain) this summer!

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!