A morning kayak.

David and I used to kayak every chance we got. For some reason(s) we haven't been out much the last five years.... To be fair, we have been out for an hour here or there when people were napping or when Papa and SheShe volunteered to watch the kids but we haven't been able to pick up and enjoy a paddle like we used to. Until Monday morning!

David took the morning off from work and we spent Sunday night up at the cabins. On Monday morning we took the kids, snacks and a fishing pool and we kayaked all morning. It was wonderful and they LOVED it!

We heard comments like "best ever, ever", "isn't this cool", "check out that lily pad", "why are there bird houses out in the water". It went on and on. I think we're hooked - again!

Do you suppose that family of swans was having as much fun as we were?

5. Five!

Five Years ago....

and now....

It seems like he's been in our lives forever. In some respects I cannot believe he's already five and yet, I can barely remember what life was like without him. I don't really like to think about it, after all he made me a mom which is where I am the happiest!

My little guy.... He is so opinionated, strong willed, BUSY, happy in the woods, inquisitive, sweet with his sister and caring. We do love him so!

He turned five on Saturday! Since Friday he had his last day of school, family birthday party, preschool graduation and concert, and our surprise birthday trip to Traverse City where he got to see his first movie on the big screen. It is now almost 8:30 on Monday morning and I have yet to see him - no wonder!

On a side note, he thought that seeing a movie on the big screen was fine but he was happiest and most content when we got home and he was busy digging in the dirt in our yard - what a cool kid!!

T-ball and Flowers.

My little guy loves all things "boy" and he loves his flowers. He can probably tell you more about them than I could. Until we planted his own Bleeding Heart, if I couldn't find him outside I knew to go over to our neighbor's where I would inevitably find him crouched

on her porch gazing at hers.

He's such a force and has such passions.
There are times that I am in awe of his ability to charge into the unknown without any reservation. Like last night, on our way to his first T-ball game... yet, he still took time to smell the flowers.

We were so proud of him.
He did so well. He listened, played hard, was a good sport and had fun.

I love this little guy....

And his biggest fan.

In need of an little adventure.

Today was one of those days that started at as "one of those days". I was dreading a day full of whining and arguing and then decided that it wasn't meant to be. I packed the kids up, grabbed a basket full of peanut butter and honey's and headed for an adventure to one of the places that has been the most familiar to me all of my life but has become rather unfamiliar recently. My beloved "cottage". That's a whole different story, one that I'm not up for typing right now.

We had a ball. We needed a change of pace. It was so great to get away from the dishes, errands, laundry, phone calls, plans, etc. We stole away and it was worth it!

Best part of the day was when Ben was out exploring the water calling back all of his amazing discoveries while Amelia was snuggled into me eating her PB & H.

Mouse took her first nap in weeks and I was able to read a magazine for the first time in months. Ben didn't want to leave so we decided that we need to have "adventures" more often.

End of day conclusion - batteries recharged and ready to be back!

PS - I should also mention for my memory that I came home to a clean house, mopping, bathrooms and all. Wow! He's the best!!

Recap.

After a chat with my dear friend Sam yesterday, I realized how long it had been since I sat down to look back over the everyday moments of our life that I so enjoy remembering. So.... here I am with my cup of coffee reviewing the pictures and smiling.

Here's what we've been up to....

As always, lots of time in the woods.

Celebrating milestones.

Being rewarded with beautiful bouquets just because.

Gardening.

Learning to cast and skip rocks. Very successful weekend indeed!

As we relax into summer mode we've even had a pajama night at the park!

Days on the beach.

Boat cruises at the cabins.



Mommy finished a dress - finally.

Snuggling and reading chapter books. Little Mossback Amelia is one of our favorites!

Moving into "Big Girl Beds"!

Chilling in the deep water.

Hanging in the trees.

Continuing to work on our own individual style.

Life is good!
One more week of school and then we are looking forward to settling into summer. Ben will be five and although time seems to be speeding by we try to make time to slow down, everyday. Right now the kids are enjoying one more chilly morning by the fire having toast and chatting. I'm one lucky mom!