Elemental Kids

Kids are so great at enjoying the elements. Sand, sun, fresh air, and of course water. It's as if they're born knowing how to interact joyfully with their environment. George seems to come alive in the water. Last year I was struck at the end of the preschool picnic by a comment from another mother. George was swimming blissfully in the creek and she said she had never seen him so happy, so alive. She had only seen him at school. Millie seems to thrive on the earthy elements. She is usually covered in dirt, paint or some other goo. She comes clean, but seems less herself when she is. She has a fair amount of fire to her too. Too much sun or overheating and she's thrown off balance. Summer is such a great time to enjoy all the earth has to offer us and the kids are the best at showing how it's done.

Cluster picnic

Did I mention it's hot. That didn't stop the kids from jumping for hours in the moonbounce at the cluster picnic. Look at those red faces!

Mount Vernon

It's hot, but we had a great time hanging out at George & Martha's. At the new complex we saw George's dentures, dressed in period costumes and had some Pizza Hut pizza. Some highlights were seeing the replica of George Washington's 16 sided barn used for threshing wheat (George) and looking at Martha's jewelry (Millie). I just loved being there and imagining life at the conception of America . Despite a fairly cheesy introducion by Pat Saijack (?sp) the film at the begining was really informative even if I couldn't help but root for the Native Americans in their battle against Washington and the British.

Less idle, but still blessed

With George's end of school picnic, book club, visit to Chicama farm and visit from Aunt Judy this week has been a busy one. We've still found lots of time to play, read and enjoy, though.

Today was totally devoted to hanging out. We watched "The Prisoner of Azkaban," drew with chalk, listened to music, made train tracks around the living room, baked cupcakes and lots else.