Leaves that are leaving

As I said before, I don't mind the leaves that are leaving... (I used to have a problem with those that were coming)

But this year in particular I don't give much for those that are coming either!
Because my kids have taught me something amazing: what comes down must go back up; and since what goes up DOES come down, we can have giggles and laughter for hours in the yard.

See? UP:

and DOWN: 

And all around...

I speak picturish

Every once in a while

Outings are for having fun, for running around (not that this doesn't happen at home, don't get me wrong), for seeing things and touching-smelling-tasting also. Always.

Outings are for letting them run ahead and see the delight in their eyes when they come back to show me this, or tell me that... Always.

Outings are for trying your strength, making new friends and.... yes, getting dirty doing all that. Always.

Water is fascinating when you grow up in a town like this. Sunrises on the beach, sunsets by the lake ever since you were a baby. And then holidays by streams and rivers. A mommy fascinated by waterfalls will drive you miles to take you see them. Always.

But every once in a while, although I understand them being fascinated by water, I would like them to come home dry! (not much to ask right?!)

I guess I found the biggest puddle in a parking lot in the area.

Things started to go into the water: pebbles, sticks, leaves.  Some were sinking, some were floating at the surface. And then the idea came: let's make a boat!

A piece of wood and a leaf

gliding smoothly in the sun.

(Did I mention that my kids were dry in the end? )

And happy. And proud.

"Did you see Mommy what we made???" 

Oh, yes. And I'm so glad and grateful for that.

An artist and his song

We were out enjoying the colors, the bright light. Some of us were chasing the ball, others were chasing the clouds in the sky with the camera.

 Well, you got the idea...we were really, really busy...

We were gathering leaves (to make a bird to scare Hopper away ;) )...

...until we heard (ahem) music.
Close to us.
Very close.
We looked around and there it was:

So we waited until the song was done, because you cannot disturb an artist during his song, can you?!

I speak picturish

I speak picturish