An End to a Social Summer

Carrie had to work a bridal show, so Shane got to hang out with me all day. Only it wasn't just me.

First, church. Shane reacquainted himself with some school friends from kindergarten. We'll get to see who's in his 1st grade class this week!

Afterwards, Dylan and Eli. There were a ton of Legos on the floor when we arrived.

John and I hung at it longer than the boys. I made an odd looking Mad Cat and John built a suit for Ace McCloud from Centurions (Oh, the nostalgia!).

I don't know which kid started the head (or if it was meant to be a head), but I used it to make another robot....which Eli was ready to smash with a hammer.

Krista got back and showed us the most amazing pillow. One side was full of sequins and you could draw patterns by brushing your hand across them. I'd never sleep.

After a rendezvous with Carrie to deliver something she forgot, Shane and I heard a knock on the front door.

Guess who?

Tay came down while I was checking on the chickens, and asked if we could visit the creek before she moved. Her mom wouldn't let her go unless I was there, so we all went exploring.

They all got wet. Very, very wet. And muddy.

I encouraged them to go up to the playground for a spin cycle. I wanted them to dry off, but it turned into a party. A couple other families had planned a picnic.

Everybody got along, ran, climbed, and begged me to spin them faster.

Tay wanted to go a new way further down the creek when we left.

For a change, Raheem was shouting "Wait up!" Tay and Shane had shoes they could wear in the water (Which I encourage due to glass and rocks). Raheem did not.

My game is to stay dry. I hopped from rock to rock until the rocks ran out. I didn't let Shane wander further out of my sight from there. The older kids went a little further.

Shane started throwing rocks from up on high. The others thought it was a great idea when I called them back.

We caravaned back as a team. Rah tends to run ahead as if it's a competition. Sometimes, Tay takes the bait in the circle, but overall she's more aware of Shane and keeping him in the loop. Regardless of the cause, I make a point to compliment the kids when they stick together or check on one another.

They used the hose to wash off the mud when we got home.

Which turned into a block party when Henry and Sam came out.

I only intended for us to make a quick trip, but somehow it kept evolving. I'm beat. Makes for fun summer memories for the kids, at least.