Enjoying the Ride June 27, 2007

“The boy and his horse had once set out for the sun and quickly learned what others had tried to put into words- that becoming is probably better than being, that there is only one thing in between and that is the ride. The ride is everything- not the arrival at some distant or imagined spot of light from which you would probably just see another spot of light and then another until you didn’t know where you were or maybe you would even fall from the sky like Icarus for flying too near the sun or end up floating facedown in your swimming pool like Gatsby, who had worshiped too closely to the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. No, there was no question about it: Forget about the light. Just keep your head down and stay on the ride.” - Liberating Paris by Linda Bloodworth Thomas

After the Rain June 27, 2007

Heavy and regular thunderstorms are lingering much later in the season than usual for Texas causing flash flooding, casualties, and general inconvenience for many. While our major concern is that our pool doesn’t overflow some, including these people (actually a very impressive home and landscape) are having to do some serious clean-up. Bear creek overflowed its banks and did some serious damage to the surrounding areas. Rushing waters took down wrought iron and brick fencing, moved logs and other debris, and generally created havoc.

We went over to check it out and get a ride in. It was a beautiful day with interesting and sometimes tragic scenery.

Summer Fun with Friends June 27, 2007

Sadie gets a tube ride from “the big boys,” Lucas and Jacob.

Elijah tries to get the ball over the falls past goalie Lucas while Eli paddles and Jacob stands guard for ball retrieval.

Elijah, Eli, Jacob (I think , and Sadie create with Play-Dough during a pseudo sleepover while adults hang out until odd (for old people) hours.

The lure of the tube… I’m not sure anyone knew what they were watching but it was animated and a good break at the end of the day. (Left to right) Sadie, Lucas, Eli, Jacob, and Elijah.

Builders June 27, 2007

The absolute best thing these days is making forts. Here Elijah and Sadie re-work a fort of couch pillows. The two agonize over which way to lay the pillows for the best support, which blankets to use to insulate the fort against winter cold and snow, and how to partition their rooms such that they each have their own space but can visit at will.

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” Fred Rogers

Movie Buffs June 27, 2007

Monkeying around outside the movie theater. We go to the theater every week with our unschooling buddies for a summer session of children’s movies. Curious George- Fabulous! Charlotte’s Web- too long for kids who don’t understand that the pig has to die to give the ham. Over the Hedge- VERY good. Ice Age 2- unwatchable (says Mom).

The best part of the day is always visiting Daddy for lunch. We had a special guest for lunch this week- a scavenging lizard on the patio by the lake!