Dipping Their Toes at Dusk

We could dress him in a bathing suit/swim diaper... but there is the walk down the hill and up the road, both directions... and well, it is just much easier to strip him down... because a toddler ALWAYS ends up soaking wet. They go in the farthest, they squat - soaking their little butts, and/or they trip and fall.

Brrrrr!

 Owww, so cold!

Hunting for sea glass.

Dingle Park - The Temple

After the playground, Luke asked if we could visit the "Temple". They were so excited to discover that we could actually go inside and climb to the top.... well, that is until Luke saw the 2 spiral staircases and many flights of steps. He did make it to the top, and bravely descended making sure to stay right by the wall, with his eyes on it, and directly behind me. 

The view.

♥♥♥

Dingle Park - Classic Boy

Dingle Park - Big Brother Luke

Almost 7 years old.

 Sliding together... although Asher made it clear that he wanted to do it himself ("Me do it!")

Needing a little help.

He was very happy to have his big brother hoist him up.

Photo Session Fail

It can be a challenge to catch everyone looking in the right direction with a pleasant expression, especially the youngest one.

Fail (except Asher and Patrick - perfect)

Fail (oddly enough, Patrick and Asher again - perfect)

Just to show you they were up on the barn roof.

Asher loved it! 

Drew had to hang onto him tight, since he wanted to run up, down, and all around.

Luke is TERRIFIED of heights. 

Notice he is right up against the barn wall and sitting at all times. It was a bit of a trick getting him down off the roof.

The Story Behind the Picture

I knew Luke was busy with some tape and a pair of scissors, designing and constructing a masterpiece. I was somewhat horrified (didn't even take a pic of his finished product) when I discovered he had built a spaceship using these binoculars.... the strap didn't fit into his plans and were "removed".  It was clear that he had no intention of being naughty since he excitedly showed it to me and then was blindsided by my utter dismay... *sigh*... poor guy. 

Seriously, where do boys come up with these ideas?

Thankfully, I did not inhibit his creativity :)

Not too long after the first "disaster", he once again dashed into the room begging me to come see what he had made, and he assured me this project did NOT require the use of scissors... *sigh* of relief .

These are the 3 silver medals Sean won at the track and field meet this year!!!

I dare you to admit how many times you have great plans for supper that are not fully realized. 

Sometimes it really is ALL about creativity and the willingness to be flexible.

I mixed up a LOT of this meat mixture for the 12 pepper halves, only to remember Patrick had asked to use two whole peppers. Oooops! So we ended up having stuffed peppers on a bed of meatloaf. Hey, everyone loves extra meat!!!

Sweet Spring

First daffodils on our property.

Wild Rhododendron.

Reflections.

Greenness and flowing water - what a beautiful sight!

Warbler Prowl

What do people think who pass by us as we excitedly gesticulate, darting back and forth, peering up into the trees with our cameras aimed, and "swishing" all at the same time???

Northern Parula

Northern Parula

 Usually they are near the top of the trees, so I never even realized they have a yellowish green circle on their back.

Black-throated Green Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Ovenbird

God's creation - the colors, the variety even amongst these five warblers- is truly spectacular!

The 3 Little Guys

Not that all three of them are really so little, but it is just an easy way to separate them from the big boys.

Surprised them with a chance to pick out their very own special treat - Old Fashioned Sugar Doughnut, Mint Chocolate Cupcake, and a Lemon Bar

Piggy Back Ride x2

It's a little tricky getting them situated.

But totally worth the effort :)

Down by the Sea

The view at the bottom of our driveway.

Peaceful.

So fragile...

And yet, so firmly attached.

Beautiful.

Could This Be?

We like to think this is the little baby that hung around last year, all grown up. 

She strikes this pose when first noticing that we are close by... not sure if she is trying to appear smaller in hopes that we don't spot her or just plain scary with all of her quills protruding???

She then drops down on all fours and waddles away still with her quills prominently displayed.