Keeping Busy

"Look at all these "helicopter" seeds."

"Papi, get the saw... these branches are hanging too low."

"I want to help, too."

"Wait for me! Why can't I fit through here?""I guess I'll use the steps...""How did you get over there, Kate?""I sneaked through the gate when Reiley opened it."

(maybe Kate should show the boys how to get it through the gate...)

"Got it!"

Teamwork

Happy Anniversary, PR

I've had you eating out of my hand for 34 years now...

We interrupt this program...

A hail storm preempted yesterday's Lil' Kickers soccer games.
Not too long before taking these pictures, I was dozing in the warmth of the sun in my backyard.
Here in northern Illinois you have to be ready for anything.

My Brother's Keeper

Today Reiley starts Lil' Kickers soccer at the YMCA. (I don't have to work today, so I'll get to see this first "game" of the season. Yay!) We all went to the mall this morning to get him outfitted: cleats, shin guards, socks and shorts; because he's grown from a big 3-year-old (see last year's photo) into a bigger 4-year-old, and nothing from last year fits him anymore.

While Karina's wallet was still smoking, I talked to Reiley about what position he might play, and asked if he might want to be the goal-keeper.

"Maybe. I don't know, yet."

When it was Luke's turn to sit on my lap, he said, "I'm going to be the ZOO-keeper."

I think he heard someone say that Reiley's team this year might be the "Pandas".Zoo-keeper Luke, with Madison and Kate

What's Next?

Apparently, you can catch a raccoon with cabbage leaves...

...and freshly-planted marigolds.

But the boys are still hoping to catch Mr. Groundhog.

A Fine Catch

This little guy went for the peanut butter-smeared broccoli. It looks like we know how to catch a squirrel. Meanwhile, the hunt continues for Mr. Groundhog. You know, the big guy that's taken up residence under our deck. He sits on the lower step, sunning himself... and sticking his tongue out at us all the while. We'll get him, yet.

Say It With Flowers

Reiley and I went flower-shopping today. He really enjoys seeing all the different colors and types, and helping me plan where to plant what. We'll plant them another day, but he insisted on arranging them for me on the deck. As I drove him home, he gave me clear instructions on how to take care of them: enough water and sunlight, and not too much wind. I assured him I'd be careful to look after them.

He's excited about getting their little garden tilled and talked about planting tomatoes and sunflowers. He said he planted an apple seed in the garden a "long time ago", but the "orchard tree" never grew. I could tell he was disappointed. We had a conversation about how trees take a long time to grow, and that his neighbor has TWO apple trees but they don't eat the apples; they just let them fall and get "yucky". He says if they don't eat them this year, he's going to ask for some.

It was quite windy today, and as we made one of our stops I reached into my purse for a comb. Reiley asked if he could comb my hair, so I said, "OK, but it might take a while to make me beautiful." He made couple of passes with the comb and said, "There. That's good enough. You're always beautiful."

Four years old. He already loves gardening and he's already a diplomat.