Deck Days

The setting sun glares down on our deck during the precise hours we prefer using it. Our hope is that the foliage will someday provide some reprieve. In the meantime, we splurged on this gazebo recently. The curtains can be partially drawn to block out the sun's glare, leaving us to enjoy our dinner al fresco.
 

The thought of sitting outdoors in the cool of the day (or the heat of it) prompted a further splurge on a set of outdoor furniture. Over the weekend we played with furniture arrangement and where the flower pots look best. This was one iteration. It's a little different already.

We've enjoyed chatting out here in the evening, just the two of us.
 

The furniture came in a VERY big cardboard box - just a wee bit too big to fit into our Tahoe. The staff at Sears were very accommodating and unpacked everything for us, then loaded it into the vehicle.

Tim probably wishes he had gone alone to pick it up because I took one look at that huge box and thought, "playhouse!" 

So the box was dismantled and folded to fit into the Tahoe.  Sweet man of mine.
  

Yesterday morning before the grands came over for their play date, I wrestled with the cardboard, trying to get the box back together. It took some effort - the thing is huge and unwieldy. 

Every fort/playhouse needs a few windows, so I quickly cut them in a variety of shapes. 
 

And oh, what fun! I introduced the box, deliberately not using words like playhouse or fort. The "doors" were open and I didn't show how to close them. But these little ones use their imaginations - first the box was an elevator and it didn't take long to figure out the doors. 

It was great for playing peek-a-boo - either Nana or the grands ran around the outside of the box, while the other stayed inside.

The box is too big to go into the house, so it will stay on the deck for as long as it lasts - covered now by a tarp in case of rain. 
  

Sometimes the simplest things bring much joy. A cardboard box. Or a condiment dispenser for squirting water. A big yellow ball. 
  

These are the kind of days I dreamed of, when I first became a Nana. Days of play and fun and imagination.

 

Weekend Celebration

The Little Misses' parents were invited out on Friday night so the girls came to our house. Grandpa read them stories, they played with toys and ran in circles through the living room, the entrance hall, kitchen, dining room and round again. And again. When it came time to put Little Miss S to bed, she didn't want to go. "Run, run," she said. Alas, Nana hardened her heart and put her down.
 

On Sunday, Little Miss A turned 3. Already! Her talented mother created a balloon-themed party.
 

She thought of so many things that could be balloon-shaped - cookies, peanut butter sandwiches, tomatoes, melon balls, small cheeses, and more. It was all delightful. 
 

With three focused breaths, Miss A blew out the candles. One. Two. Three. And we all wish her God's blessings. 
 

 

Katie created this lovely piece of art from an old window frame. I love it. I took one photo with no reflection showing, but I think I prefer this one with the balloons hanging in the window. The day was Merry and Bright, indeed.

What's the mood around your place these days? Not too busy, I hope. What gets done, gets done, I tell myself, as my list of tasks seems to grow instead of shrink. Take time to enjoy the moments, I remind myself. Each one is precious. 

First Things First

During the past two weeks of spring break I've been able to schedule in more time with the Little Misses. We've baked cookies, returned seaweed to the ocean on a very blustery day, visited the Ocean Discovery Centre, played with blocks and Duplo, read a zillion books, and eaten snacks. What fun we've had.

Today, the sun is shining, but I have chores to attend to. There will be a little of the above,
 

 and some of this, 

followed by a cup of tea and a little reading. Doesn't that cover look inviting? So full of colour and freshness. Do you have a favourite magazine?

But, first things first! Back to the chores!

Impromptu

Impromptu: off-the-cuff, spontaneous, unplanned

That was dinner earlier this week. The family gathered. We played on the grass, sat around the table, ate barbecued chicken, grilled vegetables, quinoa, and Blueberry Struesal Squares for dessert. (The link will take you to the recipe, but I warn you, there is no photo - I'm still updating, resizing, etc. It will likely take me years.)

Earlier in the day, Little Miss S and her mother, along with this Nana and Little Miss A went to the park, pushing matching strollers. Little Miss S spent most of the time sleeping peacefully on the grass. Isn't her hat darling?

Not the most flattering view of Nana, who accompanied Little Miss A to the edge of the spray pool. It was very cold and very strong. If the picture had been taken just a few seconds later, one could have seen Nana move very briskly as she's right next to a spray valve. Silly Nana.

Never could I have imagined how wonderful being a grandmother would be. I feel like I'm getting a third chance at the magic of childhood - the first chance was as a child, the second as a mother. Now, I can hardly tear my eyes away from watching these tiny beloved creatures explore their world. 

As many of you know, we raised our children in South America. Taking a stroll to the park, visiting a petting zoo, and going to a spray pool weren't options where we lived. We did other activities instead. Life was full and I have no regrets. But now I have the chance to do these fun activities that I'd read about in letters and books. Such joy! Such blessing!

What's giving you joy these days?