So, our back yard is a little on the white trash side of things. There isn’t really grass, but just a weed-like covering, and the little, but nice, landscaping that was done by our landlord years ago, has been completely overgrown by taller weeds. I promise I raked it a few weeks ago, but it still looks like a rake never touched it. And it doesn't help that our “sandbox” is made out of a plastic storage bin. It’s just so hard to put any tlc into the space when we’re just renting. It cleans up nice enough when we put a little work into it, but for the most part, it looks pretty rough.
Which is why I love that kids don’t let those types of materialistic things get in the way of having fun. It took me a while to take them out there on a regular basis. When they were younger, it was a little nerve wracking being around all the acorns, hills, and steps by myself. Yes, even such a small space is scary with three babies wandering about, putting anything in their mouths. But of course we can easily let them loose out there now, and it’s always the highlight of their day! And mine, watching their happy faces as the clock ticks closer to naptime/daddy coming home. It’s so nice to have the outdoors to help pass the days. There’s only a fraction of the fighting that goes on indoors, and the kids really tire themselves out. Ruby has been our most ambitious child from the start. Here she demonstrates a new little activity she thought of all on her own. The others have all since tried it, including Penny, and only Bennett is still a little apprehensive. She scooted that little car all the way from the patio to the hill. That girl is turning out to be quite our little athlete.
She has also taught herself to collect bouquets. One day I just saw her with a pretty little bunch of leaves in her hand, and now she does it almost every time we’re out there. She had selectively chosen each one, and placed each stem carefully in her hand. So, she does have a dainty side as well. 
And as you can see, it’s even been hot around here already. We broke out the pool and sprinklers the other day, and the kids were more than thrilled. And yes, the partially deflated pool helps with our white trash look (the stores don’t have much pool stuff out yet. It’s on my list.) But again, the kids didn’t mind one bit. It was lovely. Although, I was pretty exhausted getting all their wet, sandy bodies into the tub after that. Oh, how they love to fight me! And love to track their dirty shoes everywhere if I don’t catch them in time to take their shoes off. These kids are a seriously exhausting bunch.
They also are huge fans of sidewalk chalk. Alex tries to hoard it all, or as much as he can manage to carry. I’m trying to introduce Easter pictures, so they can finally stop asking me to draw a snowman! They color on any surface they can find, from the garbage can, to the bricks on the house. I love when they can entertain themselves for lengthy periods of time. LOVE it!
Someday, we’ll have the yard we always dreamed about, but for now we don’t mind being a little ghetto if it keeps us all happy. Right, Ruby?
3 comments:
Ruby at the end! So great. Each post I am getting more and more excited to see this wild bunch for myself.
Oh, that down the hill looks fun for kids! They are adventurous! Pools already! Oh, and remember when I gave my kids a bucket of water and some paintbrushes and they "painted" the whole deck and all the bricks and stuff? It's totally awesome and NO clean up. Try it.
Hee-hee-hee. Sidey (outside) is grrrrreat.
Post a Comment