The Swing

I like the complementary colors of blue and orange in these photos. Clara kept asking to go to Taryn's Park this week. I like to make her happy so we went. While watching her I couldn't help think about this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson entitled The Swing.

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!

Oak Creek Trail Again

John still likes to explore the world through his mouth. I think Clara looks like a little forest gnome.

P.S. You can click to make the three photos bigger.

BW Oak Creek Trail

County Fair

Kelly's work had a free day and free lunch at the fair. We had a great time trying on hats watching pigs race, seeing beautiful rabbits, and petting sheep. We planned to go on one ride but took one look at the price and bought cotton candy instead. The price put Disneyland in a whole new light.

Collage

John's Towers

I hope that you will click on the collage so that you can see some of John's creations. He uses repetition and has a good balance of symmetry and asymmetry. For a while he just put one block on another but now is starting to scaffold (Is that the right word? I mean have two blocks suspend the third.) If you will listen to Kelly and mine conversations you will hear me blabber about getting my hands on a really big set with long pieces. I want him to be able to build something as tall as himself. It bothers that good sets are so expensive and I am finicky about wood. If you hear of a good deal or somebody getting rid of theirs let me know.

New Kitchen

Independance Day BBQ

There were some great moments this 4th. I enjoyed the bratwursts, broccoli salad, Sun Chips, homemade lemonade, and the brownies. It was fun to see the children cover there ears during the fireworks. John and Sam had a particularly hard time with the noise. The firecracker chain (as seen in the last photo) was very exciting.

My favorite part was playing U.S. I.Q.. I bought it years ago at the D.I. for 50 cents. We had only played it once before with the Williams and it was fun to bring it out again. The questions are challenging and I feel like we learn something worth knowing when we play it.

I felt the lack of music that I know I would have received if we would have gone to the reunion. It has been too long since I have sung "Your a Grand Old Flag" and "God Bless America" in a group. Next year I am going to insist that we sing some songs.

Others

I have been watching Hello Dolly and this photo of Clara's feet reminded me of the begining.

Two French Braids

Our new old Piano

It is such a blessing. We are so greatful. Thanks Michelle. We use it everyday.

McDowell Falls

My battery ran out while we were out walking at McDowell Falls. The first thought I had was "Now the fun is over." Silly. We were in a beautiful place with my favorite people. I am glad that I could change my thinking and be able to say "Now the fun can start."

Agate Beach Again

Kelly says going to the beach isn't his favorite thing to do but likes going because I like it so much. That makes me love him more. We really had a great time and I love how it wears the children out.
In the last photo the one on the left is alive.

Dino Pool

Solar Print Paper

During the last two days of walks (hikes?) we have kept little things here and there in an attempt to make some fun prints. I recall the first time I used this type of paper. It was at a three day camp called Mill Hallow. It is so fun to watch the paper go from blue to white to and then reverse itself. Clara wasn't interested in composing anything or waiting outside with it but she did enjoy rinsing it watching it change in the water.

Oak Creek Greenbelt Trail

Unknown flower. John on a throne. The salamander that Tara caught. Where the salamander was caught. An improptu group hug after people got pushed and hit. Working together to release the salamander to it's new home.