Red

This time of year, I am always struck by the color red.  It stands out and jumps out at me.  I am sure most of this is because of our nation's birthday.  Red pops out of everything patriotic.  Red adds life to gingham table cloths, firework stands, glass coke bottle labels, flags, Radio Flyer wagons, cherries, strawberry jam, homegrown tomatoes, tricycles and fireworks.  What a glorious and proud color it is.  Enjoy all the red this week.  Especially the way it stands out in the lush green summer grass and beneath the summer sun.  May that wonderfully vibrant color remind you of our nation.  Happy 4th!

Friends...

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A friend truly appreciates you for you...just you.

A friend loves your kids as much as she loves her own.

A friend loves your kids like her own.

A friend doesn't judge you as you make your way out of a restaurant with a screaming child.

A friend grabs your baby as you make your way out of a restaurant with the screaming child.

A friend helps out when she sees that both of your arms are full of baby paraphernalia, a baby, purse and other items.

A friend understands your strange quirks and oddities.

A friend brings dinner over after you have a baby.

A friend brings their toddler over to play with your toddler after the new baby is born.

A friend allows your baby to gnaw on her water bottle when she sees you've run out of "tricks" to keep the baby entertained.

A friend is happy to meet for a play-date on a whim when you are exhausted trying to entertain your kids alone.

A friend is happy to plan a play-date around your baby's nap schedule.

A friend is happy to lend advice at just the right time.

A friend loves to chat on the phone for over an hour even though we both know that there are important things we should be doing instead.

A friend understands when it takes weeks to return a call or email and never holds it against you.

Friends, you know who you are, thank you for being my dear friends!  I don't think I could get through some days without you.  You always seem to be there when I need you.  You are near and dear to my heart.

For everything,
THANK YOU!

Campout Update...

I heard the back door open at about 9:15pm last night.  The campers were ready to retire in their own beds for the night.  My girl said "It was too dark to camp tonight."  Daddy added, "It was too hot."

Perhaps we will try another Backyard Campout later this fall when the air is cooler!

Backyard Campout

This evening my big girl and her daddy are participating in the Great American Backyard Campout.  The National Wildlife Federation puts it on each year.  It is simply a way to encourage families to enjoy the outdoors (camping) during  the summertime.  The website has wonderful ideas for activities, food, camping, etc.

My girl has been so excited about this day for a long time.  We even purchased a fire-pit and some wonderfully aromatic Pinon wood for the occasion.  My husband kept referring to the fire as a city campfire.
**Pinon firewood comes from New Mexico and is from the Pinon tree.  It is known for it's wonderful pine scent.  When I smell it burning, it reminds me of Santa Fe.  Santa Fe smells of Pinon.  It is such a cozy and homey smell.**


As much as the babe wanted to participate in the night-time festivities, she was bathed and tucked in her crib for the evening.  Perhaps she will join the camping crew next year.

After the tent was pitched and the campfire was burning, good 'ol Smores were on the menu.  Smores taste so good from the campfire.  I think it is something about the smoke. Yum!

The plan is to actually sleep outside for the night but I have my suspicions that the tent might be abandoned when the dark night falls.  My girl is a little afraid of the outdoor night sounds (locusts, crickets, etc.).  We'll see....

As the sun began to creep behind the houses and the lush honey-colored glow filled the sky, they got into the tent and began their night under the stars.  I left them with the candle burning on the outdoor table and the kitchen light on.

Sweet dreams, campers!

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.

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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!