Water play

It got hot again here (we've been in the warm range recently) and so I put out the pools this afternoon. The kids had fun playing until these little gnat type bugs swarmed us. I think they were attracted to the water. I brought out the fancy camera to see if I could capture some of the water play in action. I'm pretty happy with how the shots turned out!

Pool play!

Adele pours as Gordon splashes

I love this! Adele didn't do this the whole time we were out, but she was doing it for the whole ten minutes I had the camera outside.

Gordon likes putting things into the water to see how and if they float

Walter is usually the first one done with pool play but today he would've stayed out longer, but saw the other two were inside, so he had to come inside, too.

Each of the kids has their own ball. Adele's is rather warped, so I bought a new one today. Of course, Walter took one look and claimed it as his. He immediately recognized Rapunzel on the ball.

Gordon checking out everything floating. He also likes to throw the things in to see how high they'll splash

A not-so-lazy Saturday afternoon

We couldn't let the amazing Saturday weather go to waste, so after the kids got up from not-napping, we headed outside.  They ran around for a while and Jeff and I were able to sit and enjoy the weather.  What a difference having mobile, slightly independent kids means for the way we *play*.

Adele enjoyed throwing flower petals into the breeze

The boys also enjoyed throwing the petals "in the sky," as they put it. Gordon was laughing like crazy

Gordon enjoying his Daddy

Ring-around-the-rosey

Give ourselves a round of applause after 'all fall down.'

Quick snack

My girl

Walter and I watching the other two kids play with the neighbor boys up on the grass. Walt's always a little shy at first.

A lazy Saturday

Today is probably one of the nicest days we've had, even since the weather turned warm.  The sun is shining, the temperature is up, and there is a lovely breeze blowing. The kids decided to sleep in until 8:15am, which was awesome! But they woke out of sorts and the morning just fizzled away. On the one hand, I feel guilty for not taking advantage of the nice weather. On the other hand, I've had the kids doing something outdoors every day, so taking one morning off is probably okay.

The lazy Saturday morning started with a little book reading while Mommy fixed breakfast

We don't hang in our pajamas too often, so the kids always get a kick out of it when we do. Walt sat down here and Adele squeezed in next to him.

We got dressed and Walt is sporting the retro Mickey Mouse T-shirt with his Ireland shorts.

I ADORE the sundress my mother-in-law sent last year and am so happy the weather cooperated so she could wear it!

Gordon needed a cape to finish his outfit

We were singing and shaking and dancing for a while this morning. Here are the kids playing along to Laurie Berkner Bands' "I Know a Chicken."

Killaloe Playground

The weather is very warm and the sun is rising early. The kids are also waking early, so right after breakfast, I packed them in the car and headed over to the Killaloe playground. I wanted to go before the heat hit. The high 70's, low 80's may not seem too warm considering where I moved from, but the kids aren't used to the heat. And something about the direct sunlight here, makes the low 80's seem like a baking oven.

Adele patiently waiting for her turn on the swing. The boys were not so patient when it was their turn to wait.

Little girl having a snack.

Up & Downs. I love spontaneous moments that make for great photos

The kids are getting really good at climbing up the big slide. Walt's an expert.

Adele had little trouble climbing up, but couldn't get the hang of going down the slide in her shorts.

Gordon climbed up and went down and a light switch flipped in his head. Suddenly, he realized this was FUN.

Kids in a basket

Swinging!

The boys spinning round!

After the park, we had a brunch at our favorite cafe, Simply Delicious

Music Class and Pool Time

The kids woke early and we had a busy morning doing chores and playing. Then at eleven, we headed to Quay Arts (pronounced Key Arts) for music class. The class normally shuts down for the summer, but our good friend, Lucy, agreed to lead it and so we have another activity. The kids went and for once, all participated to varying levels. It was a lot of fun!

Gordon jumped right into the middle of the room, in front of the teacher, and started participating from the get-go

The class opens with this "Hello" song

Adele backed herself against the wall, but she was clapping along and gently dancing. Walt needed to fix his socks first.

Crouched and ready to leap up like a frog

Got our shakers ready!

Walt and Gordon showing off their itsy bitsy spider skills

Adele and Gordon marching around with the parachute. Walt was between them, but decided to slip underneath (which I remember as the most fun part as a kid.) I call out for him at the end of the video because he got turned around and couldn't find me.

Sitting for story time. Lucy brought a fantastic pop-up Farm Animal book the kids all loved. After this was an art project but I got too busy to take any more photos

While the kids were in their room at nap time (Walt slept, the other two just played), I filled up the pools so they could have some fun in the sun.  Walt only last about 5 minutes before asking to get dressed and go inside, but the other two played for 30-40 minutes.  I am SO happy with their new swim shirts bought when their Daddy went to Florida and purchased by Aunt Kim & Scott. They fit perfectly enough to wear now, but will last a while yet!

Walter

Gordon and Adele dove right in, but Walt preferred to hang to the back or side

Gordon had so much fun pouring water from this to that and also trying different things in the pool to see how they floated or sank. 

Adele spent most of her time transferring water from bucket to cup to bucket to ground. She eventually just climbed into the pool, too.