The "Pond"

Who needs a swimming pool,
when Gramma and Grampa have a
POND!
And not just any pond...
there's a hunting cabin, a picnic shelter, a swingset
a sandbox,
and a half of a modular home, that has been converted into another
cabin.
the kids call it:
"Grandpa's Half-way House"

Here, they fish, swim, boat, catch frogs, and yes,
the occasional water snake sends everyone to shore!

Last Summer, a couple of beavers moved in... but grandpa took care of 'em
(Don't ask what he's cooking in those crockpots in the breezeway! ha ha ha)

Looking for Bull Frogs


Got a couple!


Paddle Boating


Swimming


The top of the "slide"
which is actually left over construction
equipment :)
The boys pretend to be "flushed away"
BOYS!
*rolls eyes*

Smoke on the Water - Fire in the Sky

Today is my son Ryan's 6th birthday, we have yet to have his party, so I'll post about his special day, tomorrow ;)

Today, I'd like to share a bit of 4th of July magic..
Here's the lake, just after sunset
where we watched a private fireworks display


Getting ready for the big show!


The person at the bottom
of the picture is actually sitting on
the top of a slide,
on a floating dock,
that leads into the lake...
Best seat in the house!!

Sidewalk Chalk

If you stop by your local Dollar Store,
you can often find a bucket of chalk for,
well,
a dollar...

and then
the whole driveway and/or sidewalk
become your canvas
and cleanup is as simple as
waiting for rain :)

Go ahead, express yourself

Self Portrait Thursday - Taking Risks and Learning Something New

I grabbed my guitar, and headed out back for a "photo-shoot" (my daughter is the photographer, here) and no less than 7 small children, including the neighbor kids came running over for "song time", ha ha ha
Little did they know, I can only play the chromatic scale ;)
Step by step
inch by inch
blister by blister
I will learn
I will play
I will sing

If we all retained the enthusiasm and wonder we had as small children
This world would be a better place
full of
laughter
joy
amazement
and
music

Yes, the sunburn hurts, ha ha ha


Hamming it up, and feeling silly :)

Taking risks can be a good thing

Trust and Let Go

When God sends you a child, whether through your body,
or through your heart,
He expects you to care for them,
as He does you.
They come into this world completely dependent, innocent and trusting you
to keep them warm, safe, fed,
and most importantly
loved♥

And then...
you let go..
but not completely

The Part Where You Let Go
Hem
(can be heard on the playlist)


When the rain, breaks the road
are you holding on, are you holding on
to your last good day
when the stone breaks the wheel
are you holding, are you holding on
til the stone rolls away

And I don't know
Is this the part where you let go
and tumbling out of a window
is this the part where you find out im there
for you

When the sun leaves the field
are you holding on, are you holding on
to the last sweet light
when the flame leaves your eyes
i still see you there, i still see you there
on your darkest night.

And i don't know
is this the part where you let go
in sinking under a shadow
is this the part where you find out
i'm there for you now

As your hands breaking free
i am holding on, i am holding on
as you held on to me

And i don't know
is this the part where we let go
tumbling out of a window
is this the part you're there for me

And i don't know
is this the part where you let go
in sinking under a shadow
is this the part where you find out
im there for you
you find out im there for you
you find out im there for you