Swimming Holes & Snow Storms

This week the boys and I set up a card table and made a woodland tent. Then I packed the boys flash lights and paper bag lunches, found some forest noises soundtracks on Rhapsody (looped it) and then sent the boys with a map to hike out to their camping site. After we picnicked on a blanket on the floor of the woods, the boys came looking for me to help them get their swimsuits on. Apparently a cool dark pool had been discovered by their campsite and there commenced an hour of jumping and swimming. (Later Brad pointed out how bad this was for the card table, but at the time, it seemed like not only a fun way to spend an hour, but allowed me to get the kitchen cleaned up and make some headway on the laundry pile (-:). My favorite part of this entire expedition was that Lincoln was included in all of it and nary a fight ensued for a few hours -- miraculous.

Meanwhile -- this is what is looked like outside. Our second magnificent snow storm of the winter. I am so so so thankful for my husband who faithfully digs us out all winter, and keeps the sidewalks clear and, this time, even dug the van out of the garage, moving it around to the front (which required 45 minutes of digging and shoving with the help of two garbage truck guys -- who eventually gave up and went on their way -- thank you, though! -- and a neighbor down the street). He is my hero (for this reason and so many others (-:)

Lincoln loves it outside...what a trooper! (Though he, and all the boys, did come up to the door to get snow out of their collars or have their gloves re-applied, etc. a few times -- They are getting better and better at staying outside to play for awhile -- especially! if their dad is out there with them (-:)

Mama! Help!

And then back out to play...

Look at that smile on Brad...oh, I love him so much!

Snow in his boots -- not so happy...

Time to come in to warm up...