Summertime!

In these parts we've been enjoying mild weather and spending a good bit of time outdoors.  Lulu is regularly asking to go for walks, and while she can't roam and wander in the streets, she doesn't mind strolling with me for a few blocks.  We're investigating some local parks for more freedom for her--all of her siblings were able to go where they wanted in the places that we lived.  For a child that age, it seems to be good for their mental health and stability is much improved by having mom follow around and watch the exploring without guiding it too much.

Honestly, it's one of my favorite parts of toddlerhood.  They see things for the first time:  they take in all of creation one leaf or acorn at a time, marveling at the mud and sand, and this careful, wonder-inspiring study is infectious.  I love being privy to those discoveries.

In the household, the pace is slower.  The chores get done, but the routine isn't so pressing.  I can sit and have Doodle read to me.  I can stand with Beatle as she works a puzzle (and apparently my presence helps the pieces find their right places).  Miss Lulu has been imagining and pretending a lot--we've got this sturdy little dollhouse that she's using all of the time, and it's the sweetest thing to see such a tiny child taking care of her various families (dolls, Gabba friends or little animals).

We've finished most of our maintenance chores--just a few more to put together, but the whole summer is stretched out in front of us.  Surely we can get the girls' closets put together and figure out a storage solution for our school area.

Aside from that, it's time at the library, the zoo, the park, the neighbor's pool, a little review and reading here and there, and perhaps a daytrip or two.  With this slower pace, we're thrilled to be able to make it over for daily Mass, too.

Thank you, heavenly Father, for this season in our lives.