This past weekend was all about the kids, although I did manage to sneak in some gardening related work on the sly. I love my kids to death and we had a phenomenal time, but it will be a bit of a relief getting back to work today.
Friday was my daughter’s kindergarten graduation and that little woman melted my heart yet again:
Don’t ask me how, but the stars aligned and for one brief second, it looked like brother and sister actually enjoyed each other’s company:
Saturday was all about my daughter’s dance recital which is maybe just a step below the Academy Awards. Any photography or videotaping within the same zip code could land you in the slammer for 10-15 years. I’m talking hardcore. But I must admit, the show was amazing and my daughter was stellar. What I loved more than anything was that she is still young enough to wave at us during the performance. A memory we’ll never forget.
After a busy Friday and Saturday, we all agreed to a “do nothing” Sunday where we could sleep in and then chill outside all day. A true summer’s “hang”.
As soon as we set foot outside, the kids noticed that there were little sticks all over the deck. Sure enough, we found a bird’s nest under the umbrella. This coincided well with my new Backyard Birds of NJ book as the kids immediately had an interest in what birds we see flying all over the yard. I love those moments:
Thinking I had them in a vulnerable state of nature lovin, I tried to encourage them to check out some bees with me. That backfired real bad as they ran away in terror and insisted it was slip n slide time:
So on to the slip n slide we went. It was hilarious to watch them fail miserably at first but then they got the hang of it with the occasional wipe out:
The following photos were not staged (pinkie swear). I caught my son eating lettuce right out of the container. That’s my boy:
As the kids became more consumed with the slip n slide, I managed to sneak out my trusty wheelbarrow so I could get down in the dirt:
I promised to just spend a few minutes moving some Helenium to a better location so I could at least satisfy my addiction. I also pretended to take their photos which distracted them from the photos I was really taking:
Oh yeah, I also sneakily played musical chairs with my containers trying to find the right combinations and locations. I find this task maddening, especially someone like me who has so many OCD tendencies:
Adorable children! Your plants look pretty good too.
Ah yes, balancing the shoulds with the preferences. I hear ya. Then they grow up and you wish they were little again, if only for a few minutes. Great shots!
How adoreable, I have a picture of my son in full graduation dress from preschool. Love the lettuce bucket.
Eileen
I agree with Grace, they grow up waaayyyy too fast. Enjoy all aspects of their young little lives. I remember a dance recital (where we COULD video tape) with camera on shoulder (yes, one of the big video cameras)laughing at how cute they were…..the tape looks like I was jumping up and down while recording. Cute kids, both have that little sparkle in their eyes.
Beautiful children. Just today I was looking at some old pictures of my girls dance recitals.
A very endearing post!! Your children are so darling. Yes, our kids do melt our hearts, and how fast the time passes by. Cherish the moments. To me they seem like our flowers and plants. We take care of them, until it is time for them to grow up and be on their own. You have a long time for that. I LOVE the pool shots. Great expressions on those little faces. It is not ever easy raising kids, but it sure seems like you make the most of every moment!!
You have very cute kids. Mine are all grown but a couple of them won’t leave the nest.
When I was a lad, my reward for finishing primary school was learning that I had the rest of youth put to one side for mowing the lawn. My, how times have changed!
Ah, what fun! You’re a good Dad.
Oh the times that take our breath away. At least you got some gardening in even if it was to sneak it in. Beautiful gardens and children.
John,
Your kids are so lovely! The photos in the pool are amazing! they having such a good time.
And your garden looks great! The flower in the bee photographs is a “petrea” rigth?
kisses from the vegetable garden
Carola
Wow, kindergarten is way more serious than when I was in it. She sure looks cute in her cap and gown. I love the slip & slide action pics, too. Sometimes I think the boys wipe out on purpose – when they see a camera!
I am glad to hear that you kids are doing well and I really like the picture that you took of that bee in the flower. I don’t know why but those pics look pretty good.