Fireflies

As I looked out the window this evening after putting the kids to bed, I saw the familiar flashes of light start popping up here and there in the backyard. Excitement! Fireflies are back! That means summer really is here!

I was immediately overcome with the memory of the first time I saw fireflies. My family took a two week road trip when I was 15 or 16. We made a stop in Kansas and that evening we saw the scattered lights start appearing in a cornfield. It was thrilling - like in a way that those who live in the south may feel when they first see snow. Is this real? I've heard of it! I can't believe it!

And then when we first moved to Michigan I was so delighted to discover that I actually got to live where these fairytale-like creatures lived. What fun!

And now it is something my kids will grow up with. Lucky ducks.

And since we're talking about summer - let's talk about my fabulous garden. It really brings me such joy. We harvested our first zucchini the other day and had it for dinner. Mmmm. (Random Thought: Can I tell you I am so proud I spelled zucchini right the first time I typed it?! That is one weird word.)

Amelia is my helper and she takes her role seriously. In fact, the other day we were reading The Tale of Peter Rabbit. There was a picture showing Mr. MacGregor in his garden. Amelia pointed to the picture and said, "Oh no! Where is his little girl to help him?" So adorable.

And here are some pictures of the garden. When I came in to record on my little chart how many we harvested, I realized it was exactly 30 days after planting. Does that seem crazy to you? I am always amazed at how quickly the garden grows.

Swimming

Many of you know that our family loves swimming.

Cheri remembered the camera last night, we got

some video, and I thought we should share. Enjoy.

Summertime is here

Yes folks, long active days and bellies full of watermelon occasionally lead to a face down/in the plate/early bedtime.

Beware the woken child. (This picture kills me!)

Oh, wait. She's back down again.
Her shorts were soggy with watermelon juice and stickiness was everywhere! Jacob picked our first watermelon of the summer and it was a winner. Huge and delicious. We'll probably be working on this monster melon for a week!
*After typing that I realize it may sound like we picked it from our garden, but alas, not this year. We picked it straight from the boxes at the supermarket. (:

Nim's Island

Thanks to a gift from Granny, we just finished reading Nim's Island. WE LOVED IT! The author has a sense of humor that comes out in the last few chapters that is almost identical to mine. I couldn't get over some of the same phrases that we both use.

Anyway - great story. I highly recommend it.

Here are a few pictures of what is taking place in my backyard right now.

They have drawn a picture of the projected island.

 

Put in some work.

 

 

And are starting to enjoy the fruits of their labors. (The only question that remains....what will Mike say about the grass that has been dug up in the backyard?)

 

--There was just a booming thunder and the kids are scrambling madly about in glee as they gather their things into the emergency cave (toy bin). Jake ran in and shouted "Perfect timing, Mom! We're playing Nim's Island and a REAL tropical storm is headed this way!"