Rainy Evenings

When it rains, and it has a lot this summer, I am always tempted to stay inside and keep the kids occupied with craft projects and other indoor games. However, it has been raining a lot lately and so I decided it's time to get out of the house and into the rain.

I forgot how much fun it can be to be three and play in the rain. I just gave him an umbrella and he had the time of his life. So I encourage everyone to embrace the weather and splash around outside the house. It may surprise you how much fun you will have!

Fresh Summer Flowers

One of the best times of the year is right now. Flowers are just blooming, the grass is green and everything is fresh and new. It took me six years of planting to create this vase of flowers. Red tree peonies, pink peonies, golden trollius, purple bee balm and a variety of irises make up this summer bouquet.

Usually I just let my flowers bloom outside and look at them every now and again. But, I am realizing that I enjoy them a lot more on the counter where I wash dishes, cook and spend a lot of my day. These flowers remind me of all that time on my hands and knees, planting tiny starter plants. The reward is worth it.

By the way, I love the iris towards the back left. The peach and purple remind me of a sunset.

Mr. Hooperdink's House

Mr. Hooperdink is the elf who lives under our deck. Occasionally, or so my little ones believe, he comes out and enjoys playing in our backyard. However, he only appears when no one is around because Mr. Hooperdink is very shy.

Because he has spent all of last year under our deck without a house of his own, my three year old thought it would be nice if we built Mr. Hooperdink his very own house and yard.

Here is where Mr. Hooperdink spends his nights, at least until the dog finds it.