Blackberry Treats

We found these blackberries along the Huckleberry Trail. They provided a great snack!

You wouldn't know by looking at this picture that the Kayla and Jack actually love blackberries, would you?

"Do you really think I am going to eat this?"

Summer Day

My crew-I love 'em!

We went on a family bike ride and picnic today. It was just a beautiful day-not too hot, plenty of interesting things to see like cows, fish, turtles, horses, mountains. At one point Jack asked if we could ride beside each other so we could talk. "Sure. What do you want to talk about?" He didn't know so we talked about what we missed from Charlotte and the things we like about Blacksburg. It got me to wondering what my children will remember from their childhood.

Do you ever have a memory that you can't quite get a grasp on? It comes and goes so quickly and you can't really even describe it? But you know. You know what surrounded that memory. For me, it often happens when I get a whiff of something. Like petunias. They remind me of hot summer evenings in the white house I grew up in. I remember planting them with my mom but there's more. Just a quick blur of playing outside, coming in for dinner? And the smell of the house when we can leave all the windows open. That takes me to my grandma's. That same clean, fresh smell. Her house is always clean, but that's another post! And for some reason whenever I notice woodsmoke in the air I think of my Papa Crouse and Christmas. Not sure why. Fresh cut grass-something to do with field hockey practice or walking on my driveway after a school orientation one year. Middle school? High school? There are others.

What will I remember about the kids? Will I remember Jack's laugh as I looked back and tried to beat him in our bike race? Samuel's giggle when we tickle him? Kayla's big grin and the way she does this little hum and makes her voice go up and down when she's helping Samuel? So many things...

I hope whatever the trigger, my kids will have sweet memories, too.

Summer Treats

Not sure how well you can see the leftovers of Kayla's chocolate ice cream cone on Samuel's chin. He wanted her last few bites and she cheerfully shared her treat. First time he has decided to try ice cream!

Reading and Walking

Jack really loves to read. Anything and everything. Here he is as we left the library. He actually wanted to ride in Samuel's stoller so he wouldn't have to wait to start his book!

Hokie Hunt

We needed a diversion today, if you know what I mean. So, we took a drive, looking for Hokie Birds. In case you are not up on your Blacksburg trivia, the Hokie Bird is the official mascot of Virginia Tech, which is right here in town. The kids have fun spotting these statues. They are all over the place, each one a little different. Here are a few of the ones we found today. Any favorites?

I wish I knew what was SO funny!

Samuel's favorite pastime: How fast can I get on top of the table before Mom sees me?

Fancy Friends

We were fortunate enough to have visitors from Charlotte last week! We've actually had three over the past month but this was the first one I remembered to get some pictures of.
I am pretty sure most little girls I know have a natural tendency towards "fanciness" and so they love Fancy Nancy. If you don't know about her, she's a children's book character and you should definitely check her out! Kayla and Elena were taking their turn at the posh and fancy!
Later, we all headed to our regular hangout, the duck pond. The fish and turtles were in fine form.

More New Friends

More new friends. Two hummingbirds. We spend a lot of time lately at the table watching for the hummingbirds. Even Samuel looks up at the feeder when someone yells, "Humming!!" It's somewhat of a contest in the morning as to who sees the first one of the day.
One is a pretty, bright green with a little red underneath. Jack has informed me that it's a ruby-throated hummingbird. It seems to be kind of sweet, actually. And it lingers-what is lingering for a hummingbird? Maybe 15-20 seconds. Enjoying the sweet water. Until, the not-so-sweet second hummingbird chases it off. If there are bullies in the hummingbird world, then this one's it! Do you know how hard it is to get a good picture of one of these birds? I have waited, ready with camera up, finger on the button. About the time Jack yells "Humming!" my hand moves or someone desperately needs my attention. So, no picture for now.


In other news, Kayla has been telling me about her kids. She says she has 20 of them, 18 of whom are adopted. I hear all about the food she cooks for them, the cakes they get for their birthdays. Well, I asked her about them today. She said she sat them all, except for three, out in the yard with a sign next to them that said as long as you put money in the can you could have one to keep! But- they were "not free of course."
Wow. I have to wonder where THAT came from!