Summer Days

It isn't officially summer yet but since school is over for the year everyone at our house thinks summer has arrived! Which means the laundry and appetites are both increasing! It also means the younger ones seem to be sleeping a little bit sounder for which I am thankful.

Friday morning I found all the kids out next to the "pond" that is in the process of being drained so the excavator can come and finish it. It is abundantly full of tadpoles that are in the process of growing legs. They had jugs full of water and they caught tadpoles, snails and a water snake to put into the jugs which then sat on my back porch. Alongside the dead chipmunk that had met its demise a bit earlier in the day. Judah and Shane are depleting the chipmunk population since they seem to be making a mess of our garden. And yesterday Judah was distraught because first thing in the morning he jammed his bb gun so he was unable to hunt all day. His sling-shot was to be thanked for the dead chipmunk!! But back to the tadpole/frogs.......

See his little tail that has yet to disappear?

It was so neat watching their amazement at these little creatures trying to hop around dragging the cumbersome tail behind them.

And yes! My girls are both still in their pj's. Judge me if you must!! We are pretty loose around this house when it comes to their clothes. Sometimes the battle of getting them dressed to go outside in the midst of the excitement to get outside just isn't worth it.

This was moments before Judah lost his footing and toppled into the water!!!

Shane was in the midst of climbing the tree to do the zip line but encountered a ginormous spider which derailed his efforts!

The three "littles" examining something. And I need to retire the endearing name "the littles" since Tristan is on the cusp of turning 5 and not so little anymore.

Sweet, sweet boy!

Sisters spearing the water with a broom handle!

Favorite quote of the week: Shane upon remembering his "pet" cockroach who didn't live too long: "I just thought having a cockroach would make me happy!" Something completely wrong with that picture!! A cockroach shouldn't bring anyone happiness except for the exterminator who profits from their existence.

Favorite treasure found: An empty cicada shell that now lives on Eden's dresser! And seems to watch me every time I enter her room. Creepy!

Something we celebrated this week: Judah making the high honor roll! His first time and he worked very hard for it. That will be the end of my bragging because I don't appreciate parents who brag.