Sweet Summertime

I've always been a "grass is always greener" sort of person when it comes to where I've lived...but it's really hard to argue with this:

I mean, how beautiful is our backyard?  And what a blessing to have this kind of place to explore and play in as a kid!  To say the weather has been perfect might actually be an understatement.  After the rain cleared this morning, and while Ben was napping, Nat and Jack and I headed out for some sunshine and fresh air.  I cannot wait until Jack is talking.  I'm just so curious to hear the conversations between him and Nat.  They are such good friends.

Poor Jack.  Sometimes I think he just doesn't realize he's still a little guy.  He wanted to go out of the fence, or up on the fence, or who knows what else.  And it just wasn't working out for him.  Finally, he gave up and was ok to just sit and watch for a few minutes.

Will you look at our girl in that saddle?  She loves animals, period. But she really loves horses.  At every chance she gets she likes to work in the barn taking care of the horses, sweeping the gangways, mixing their food.  And now riding, too!  In another couple years, she'll be just about the right age for riding lessons.  I love that "I'm trying to be serious, but I'm so proud of myself" smile she's got.  Oh, that girl...