Simple Pleasures

Our family has been so busy of late that with the arrival of these beautiful almost summer like temperatures we have been taking advantage of simple pleasures. Our days had been hectic with virtually every weekend committed(which we do LOVE) and our weekdays filled with work, school, play dates, outings, errands and just living. An unexpected outcropping of this has been a renewal by both Scott and I to pair down and simply "be". We have been keeping the laptop off for at least 2 weekdays per week and always on Saturdays. Our television has been dark most nights with the exception of the Blackhawks play-offs (Scott) and the finale of Survivor. :) We allow our answering machine to take our calls during mealtimes, story-times and honestly I usually miss most calls anyways during the day as it seems to only ring when I'm showering, have the kiddos in the tub or am putting the baby to sleep! LOL

So our new found time has been better spent with our children.........taking walks after supper.....spontaneous trips to the park on Sundays.......impromptu play dates with friends or neighborhood buddies......exercise.......even tackling the dreaded basement and all the clutter that seems to dominate. Things we always did before, but now find all the sweeter as it seems less rushed or less scheduled.

We are keenly aware of how fleeting time is; we see its incredible power each time we witness one of our babies accomplishing something new......experience another visit from the tooth fairy......as our Kindergartner begins the exciting transition to First Grader ( how did that happen??) and our baby boy says," night night" when we pull his shades down at bedtime and stands up so tall!

Summer pleasures.......simple pleasures.......just today I walked Tyler down the same path I strolled Lauren so many years ago. Some things have changed, but quite a bit was the very same and I smiled as I thought back with sweet nostalgia AND thought forward to joys yet to come. Then I put those musings aside and simply was in the moment......


I hope you enjoy a peek at some of our recent simple pleasures.......


We discovered "Mum Mum" baby crackers and our little cutie LOVES LOVES this snack! Also titled, "have cracker, will travel".

Tyler also adores his new Musical Chair! Our little monkey loves to dance!

He keeps us laughing all day long.......and look at those darling thighs!! What a baby!!

Do any of you remember Bloonies? Lauren was transfixed with this amazing bubble! I'm transfixed by her smile!

Dreaming of road trips yet to come..............

My pretty girl on her Groove-n-Go scooter. I don't remember these being around when I was little!! :)

Taking our walk.......Lexi has walked along with both kiddos over the years, but its not easy to tackle 80 degree temps while wearing a fur coat!

Always keeping watch while we play........our furry guardian girl!


Wishing you all a glorious holiday weekend and plenty of simple pleasures!!