Kids Play

Of course, the majority of our summer free time has been spent playing.  Annabel has continued to develop her creative side this year, and our home is filled with scores of handmade treasures (see her colorful fairy wings made from a styrofoam take-out box below):

She has also spent a lot of time reading, another of her passions.  She even enrolled in the local library's Summertime Reading Program, which required each child to read a total of 20 hours in 20 minute increments.  Of course Annabel isn't really reading yet (she just finished preschool), but at her age it was acceptable for parents to read to the kids.  Annabel finished the program with a few weeks to spare, and she was awarded "Super Reader" status for her efforts.

Don't worry - all of her swimming, crafting and reading activities didn't diminish her amiable spirit as is evident by her new friendship with Smokey the Bear.  Smokey recently celebrated his 69th birthday, and the kids were on hand to participate in the festivities.

Thane was busy as well, although he prefers to stay outdoors as much as possible.  Apparently with the summer heat, Thane felt that clothing was definitely optional at our place.  (Yes, that is my kid riding his bike au natural down the driveway.  And no, he did not remain naked for long!)

 

My little pep talk on bike safety must have hit a chord as Thane's item of choice at a yard sale a few weeks later was a helmet.  This multipurpose accessory also serves as a watering can, Spider man mask, cowboy hat and football helmet. 

 

Lastly, Thane spent a bit of his idle time contemplating his future.  While his aspirations of being a fire truck (not a fire fighter, but a fire truck!), a cowboy and/or a carpenter change from day-to-day, his desire to be a tractor man has remained fairly consistent.

 Time will tell!