farm and family

The warmer spring and summer have allowed us to spend hours outside.  As in most of the waking hours.  This has been great for all of us -- except Matt.  He is missing this time at home because the farm is always where he wanted to be and now that we are here, he isn't getting to enjoy that much of it.  When he is here, we grill and play outside like we are on a camping trip.  

 Norman came out to visit while Mom and Jim went on an overnight birthday celebration.  Norman kind of dug the fact that we spend so much time outside.  He finally got the hang of relaxing in the shade as opposed to the blazing sun.  He scouted a lot of "things."  Didn't do much about them, but he did watch.

 Kate wanted to take a picture of me, wife beater on and latte in hand. Hey, it was hot.  Not my greatest moment of fashion.

 Kate needs a wheelbarrow to get all of her stuff back and forth.  The kid acts like we are leaving every time we go outside.  She gathers the toys of the moment and hauls them all out.  It could be for ten minutes or three hours.  And the toys always change.  Bubbles?  Don't do much anymore.  Sidewalk chalk?  Not often.  Just toys on the picnic table.  And lately the toys are more dolls than anything else.  Mama, they are napping.  Can you talk quieter?  Mama, they are awake and need something to drink.  Mama, they are cold.  Can you get them a blanket?  Mama, they want to swing with me.  Can you push us? 

 And in another beauty boost, Kate even brings her hairstyling stuff outside.  The reason?  I won't let her use the water sprayer inside due to the soaking she does on and around the head.  Like the carpet is wet.  So, we have moved the parlor to the picnic table or porch (she has two stations).  A few twists of the hair, a few smacks of the head with the brush, and I am ready to go!

 Mason head vs. Rogers head.  Sweetness either way.

 A little flashdance (and her show was on) vs. "I don't like this show."

 closeness.

 wind.

 pursed lips.

 diva love.

A good summer in the making.