Playing

It's been rain and more rain around here these days. And so the kids haven't been outside too terribly much. Yesterday, though, it had cleared up and dried out enough that I could sit outside without getting my clothes soaked, so we had afternoon fun time in the yard.

(For those unfamiliar with our house, the front yard is a mere two steps down from our doorway, but because of the way the land slopes, our back yard is accessible by either going out to the front yard and walking around the side of the house or going out on our deck and trooping down a longish staircase. If I have a lot to get done and the kids are bouncing off the walls, I'll lock them out on the deck to play. But they have more fun and space to roam if we're out front. Which means Mommy needs to be outside as well.)

This time, I was smart. I got everything set up while the kids were napping.
My reading spot/the snack spot is all ready to go and the slide is set out on the flattest part of the yard ...

SNACK TIME!

(I think I mentioned earlier that Dax will just toss his pacifier out of his mouth when he sees food or drink that he wants to eat. The picture above is as he is picking it up out of the grass where it had landed when he tossed it when he saw his popcorn.)

Watching his sister hold out her hand and say, "Give it here, Buddy!"

Wait a minute ... why will he immediately listen to HER!?!?!

(Jamie, what do you think? Traces of Uncle Christopher?)

This is what you get when you ask Julia to smile.

Then she thinks about it.

Sorry. This one's gross, but she really is just like her Mama.

That groan you hear is me wishing this one was centered better. Look at those eyes!!

It is amazing to me that I get anything done around the house with these faces to look at each day!

Our Little Man ... off in search of adventure

DUNK!