Down Time

This weekend we were craving a little down time. With school, soccer, cross country, guitar, ballet, and hip hop back in full force we were tired. Riggs went off to hang with some friends and I took the other three littles off the couch for some nice quiet time by the creek.

 Something about the sound of water.....

 It's just good for the soul....

 We enjoyed our hour or so by the water.....and then headed back home for warm baths and more cuddle time on the couch.

Sometimes you just need a little down time......

Rock Garden memories

We have been so busy...so many things to blog...birthdays and parties and big events.....but I swear....I know in my heart.....that it's not the big events that always make the big impressions on your life. It's the little things....the unique memories that are the ones that stand out...and sometimes you know know when you are making a memory..and today was one such day. The sun was shining in a bright, bold way...and it was as if it whispered to me to come outside.

I worked in the garden and this year we made a path in the center of the plot so it would be easier to tend to the plants....we decided the center path needed stepping stones so it would not be so muddy when it was wet...so we headed to the creek to look for some. 

When we got there...I was taken aback my the beauty of my own little world...and how nice it was to be among the trees and the water. It is comforting to me to be down here...this is the childhood I had. There were no neighbors or  courts for bikes where I grew up...it was just acres and acres of this. I loved being here with my littles...and they just all take right to it..all of them...getting muddy and wet...in search of the perfect rocks for the garden.

I swear I could feel the memories being made...as they searched and picked the rocks....

We choose 11 amazing rocks.....and then carried them a few at a time back to the wagon that waited on the hill....

We pushed and pulled the wagon back to the garden...

and placed each rock with care in just the right spot...

and then every little tried out our new path!

 It was just something little....that we all did together....and we all smiled about...

 It was a good afternoon....and one I know we will all remember.....I just know it in my heart....

Half Day Hoorah!

Today was a special day...and you knew it was special from the moment my sleepy boys rolled out of bed...they were quicker to wake up...ready faster...and excited! Today was the first early realease day of the school year...two hours less school, but so much more fun....no matter what you do with these two extra hours it is fun because they are a gift! Today the boys invited friends over for an all boy playdate!

It was fun from the moment I pulled up to pick them up!



I had homemade snacks which they devoured in seconds to my delight! Riggs looked at me with such love when he walked in the kitchen to see I had made homemade Halloween cookies...and Rollins was so happy I had made his chocolate chip cookies!


They played baseball and laughter filled the back yard as they ran and chased each other...old boys...new boys....fast boys...slow boys...but happy boys! Funny how a baseball and a bat can bring a group of boys together in just a few minutes!



Later I took them down to the creek...and I have never seen such content boys! Happily exploring the creek....on an adventure with buddies...they reminded me of the Sandlot kids.


It was a fun afternnon! So heartwarming to see my boys with their best friends that they have had for years..... and with new friends that have somehow offered them something special in just a few weeks of class with them. My Grandma Taylor had a plate that hung above her stove and I couldn't help but think of her and that plate as I watched these boys...the plate said a saying I am sure you have heard..."make new friends but keep the old, one is siver and the other is gold"