Wordless Wednesday

The Crayon Game

While we were at the lake house, my mom pulled out a big box of crayons for Sara to use.  She colored for approximately sixty seconds, and then proceeded to invent The Crayon Game.  We all had the pleasure of playing many, many times.

It would go something like this:

Sara would make an announcement along the lines of, "Grownups, we are going to play The Crayon Game.  When I say your name, you pick two colors, o-tay?"  Then she would meticulously lay out all of the crayons, tips pointing in the same direction, on the porch table (The Crayon Game is only to be played on the porch).  Once the crayons were on the table, the game would begin.

Sara would look at the first person and say, "(insert name), what colors are you going to pick?"  Whichever person she had called on would pick two colors.  Sara found them and put them in the bucket. 

And on and on it would go until all of the colors were in the bucket. Sometimes we would play back-to-back games, and other times we would get a little reprieve between sessions.

Being at the lake lends itself to simple pleasures and entertainment; I love it.

Lake Life

During our recent trip to Lake Ida, Sara seriously embraced Lake Life.  I wasn't sure whether she'd really enjoy swimming in a lake after all of her pool time here in Texas, but it didn't take her long to find her lake groove.  Even at three-and-a-half, Sara already has many good lake house memories, and it was fun to watch her continue to love her time Up North.

Looking for rocks ... one of the best things about Lake Ida is that no matter where you jump in, you can see your toes (and all the rocks you could possibly want to pick up and throw).  The clear, clean water is so refreshing.

 It was pretty wavy on a couple of the days, so we made Sara wear her life jacket.  Once she figured out she could just float and ride the waves, she was content.  When not in her life jacket, she showed off her newly acquired swimming skills.

 Floating ... 

Hiding from the spontaneous rain shower that hit while we were out on the boat one day ... it didn't last long, and it made us laugh because the sun was shining throughout the short downpour.

 

Approximately ten seconds after this picture was taken, Sara was out and took a long nap on Grandma's lap while cruising the lake.  Sometimes there is nothing better than a boat nap after a good swim.

Helping Grandpa drive on a sunset cruise ...

Loon party ...

Enjoying her ride ...

Day is done, gone the sun.

See you next summer, Lake Ida!

outtakes

 

  

Parade

Steve and I were both lucky enough to sneak away from work this morning to attend the annual 4th of July Parade at Sara's school.  She had been asking and asking whether we'd be there, so we assumed she would be so excited to see us in the crowd.  However, after spotting us, this is how she walked through the parade:

 She was supposed to be shaking her homemade tambourine, but instead used it to hide.  She's always got a bit. When I picked her up today, Sara confirmed, "I was hiding from you at the parade."

 

She sort of acknowledged us after the parade, but mainly ignored us and went about her business with her friends.  It was clear that we were on her turf. 

  

 I guess she took the whole "independence" theme to heart.

Fresh Laundry (Room)

Last Friday evening, Sara commented on all the scuff marks on the laundry room wall around our shoe baskets.  Her actual words were something along the lines of, "Wow,  this wall is SO dirty."  That was enough to push me into fix-this-now mode.  Our laundry room, which also serves as the entryway from the garage to the house, is small yet functional.  It's never been pretty, and recently I'd thought about giving it a little facelift.  Sara's disapproval of the scuff marks was all I needed.  We promptly headed to Home Depot and picked out some paint.

BEFORE:

 

 AFTER:

 

 

One can of paint, some new hooks, and a new mat ... quick and easy peasy.  When we finished, I said to Steve, "Why didn't I do this a long time ago?"  Just a little effort makes such a big difference.  

Also, do you want to know why I bought that mat?  For one thing, it matches and it fits.  But, more importantly, it was on clearance for $1.97.  Take off another 15%, and Kohl's practically gave it to me.  I couldn't not buy it. 

Friday Fun

After a much dreaded but highly successful dental check-up,

 lunch and play with a friend,

and a boring but necessary oil change,

 

Sara thought we should make star cookies.

So we did.