Pond life

It feels more like a lake to the kids, but technically Houghton Pond is (duh) a pond. But it has a gravelly beach to dig in, the water is clear and shallow and warm (and full of shells), and there's a great bath house right on the edge, and there's a playground, and Ikea is just down the street. Also, it's only a 20 minutes straight drive away. Basically, the best place ever for the summer. And this summer has been THE ONE I've been waiting for. You know, each year you say "when such and such happens, it'll be easier"? Or "next year for sure this won't be so hard"? It has finally happened!!!!! (fanfare here). Henri can get them both out of their carseats. They can round up all the stuff we need for trips. They can walk to wherever we're going. They play contentedly with each other and other kids they meet for hours. HOURS!!!! In the water, totally happy, I can read a book-happy. Sunscreen goes on without screaming. Clean up to go home takes 2 minutes. They can change themselves. I could go on and on, but seriously bliss. We went twice this week, and will head back next. Very busy week, but not much on the camera. We're trying to eke out every last drop of fun as a family (or at least, the kids and I are) because school starts in a week.

The neighbors are getting their house painted. She was at work and asked me to keep an eye on them and text updates, haha

Trip one. She found a bunch of super stinky shells. 

Kids are pretty fearless in this pond for some reason. Hudson has gone under  a few times, really freaked himself out today, but they keep going back for more!

Henri finished up her summer math homework. Don't be fooled by the face, she was actually pretty sad to be done. But she perked up when I reminded her she'd have daily math homework very soon. 

Trip 2. Not much changed, just had more friends along this time. 

The rangers keep a stable, and this guy (Cowboy Jim) is very patient with kids. The ranger kept him standing there for a long time so everyone could pet and talk to him. Henri stayed well back, but Hudson was marching right up multiple times, he didn't get the concept that flip flops and horse hooves were not a good mix. 

Oh, Ikea. It's so lovely to feed everyone for less than $5 and have everyone stuffed at the end. 

We finished off the afternoon by watching Lady and the Tramp, and then the lack of nap showed and the kids were in bed at 7. Pretty great week all in all!