A delightfully unplanned, but heartedly welcomed family of visitors descended upon the Cutoff last week. They filled our home with laughter and curiosity, playfulness and adventures. It has been a week of blissful family time and all that comes with having small children about, as well as our own daughters and sons-in-law.
I am so grateful.
While we have taken walks in the woods, had picnics and playtime and plenty of meals that I would love to share with you, it is children and water that flows in my thoughts right now. So, dear friends, I hope you won’t mind if I take you to a few of our recent watering holes.
The Little Red Schoolhouse Woods is a favorite spot of ours, so, we were thrilled when son-in-law Tom suggested we go to the nature center there and take a walk. I think it is a spot that will build some memories for our Kez and Ez, and appreciate Tom’s willingness to go there, especially with his very short turn-around time before returning home.
Kezzie noticed this frog eating Cheerios in a pond in the woods. She also noticed a water snake and some interesting dragonflies, but, those are stories for another time.
Water features are prominent in the Children’s Garden at the Morton Arboretum, and really, what child can resist the lure of dripping water and walking barefoot between stones in a creek?
Then, there was Ezra’s unbridled glee in a splash park near our house.
I am a wee bit tired right now and have much catching up to do, but, I wanted you to know I wasn’t all washed up. I’ve just been enjoying family time and all the joy that it brings.
Tired but happy, that’s how you sound Penny. I know well that satisfied exhaustion that follows time with the little ones. The photos, especially the last one, are sheer delight. Water is loved so much by young ones, isn’t it? I love the photo of Kezzie and the frog, her arm echoing the arc of the water exactly. I feel gleeful myself just gazing at these, at the end of a busy day. Thank you for sharing these delights with us.
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It is a gratified tired, Juliet. They leave tomorrow and I know the house will become very quiet. They do love water, the young ones, and are drawn to it. It was my delight to watch them in so many of these moments and to share a few with you. Thank you, Juliet. Hope all is well with you.
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What a lovely time, Penny. So glad you could entertain family in beautiful, natural settings. What sweet grandchildren!
The photo of the Cheerios-eating frog made me smile. And you are so right–no kid can resist leaping into water! 😀
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Thank you. We are having fun and are so lucky to live in area with so many outdoor settings.
We had to laugh at the Cheerios-eating frog as well, in spite of the the fact that someone threw them in, ignoring the do not feed sign. It has been such fun having them here. 🙂
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Soak it all in, Penny! So many sweet family memories. I am certain that Kezzie and Ezra will grow up to be nature lovers, just like their grandma!!
I actually thought of you Friday morning as a friend and I were walking through the Children’s Garden at the Morton. It was just spectacular. I know that it is one of your favorite places. Wouldn’t it be funny if we were there at the same time?
Take great delight in this lovely Saturday, Penny! ♡
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Indeed, I have, Dawn. I hope they do. Their mommy and daddy enjoy nature and are make sure they get out in it – but it sure is fun here. 🙂
We were at the Morton, specifically the Children’s Garden, on Wednesday! It would have been funny if we were there at the same time, Dawn, and funny you should mention such encounters for we weren’t even to the walk along the Visitor’s Center, having just arrived, when we saw flailing arms and squeals of “Oh my gosh, it’s Katy”. Two of her friends from her school days were walking out with their children. They all had a nice chat and the children talked as well. Then, just entering the Children’s Garden, there was a good friend of mine and her family! Fun. The gardens there were spectacular – and so were the Legos we saw. Hoping to post on it soon – and I hope you do, too.
It was a wonderful Saturday. There was a big project at York many were involved in with plantings in the courtyard and around the campus. Very exciting. Now, I’m pooped! 🙂
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You have been busy, Penny! I read about all of the gardening work on Saturday. We’ll have to take a peek! Hope you can put your feet up… and read a good book today! ♡
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I’m icing my knees right now, Dawn. Those who were responsible for this phenomenal undertaking are probably nursing a great many aching muscles and creaky bones today. I believe there will be some sort of open house in the fall. I think you will be amazed at all that was done and how much space has been transformed into butterfly, shade, accessible, etc. gardens. The kids involved are great!
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Always like the updates with pictures that show so much fun in the sun! I know you had as much fun as the grandkids did! Welcome back!
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Thank you, Marilyn. I think I did have as much fun – though I am very tired.
Hope all is well with you – and the cats. 🙂
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Oh, Just stated “The Goldfinch”. Not sure yet, but, will keep on reading it.
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It sounds like a wonderful time for all, what a great surprise visit! The children look really delighted in all the photos you’ve posted as I’m sure you have been too! Kezzie is looking very grown up.
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It was a nice surprise and I am so very grateful to have had them here for such a long time.Of course, you know, there are many more photos. I’ll try to exhibit some self control. She is starting to look more grown up, especially when her hair is pulled back. We’ve spent the last few days watching a caterpillar grow. 🙂
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Perfect! Unplanned is good, I believe in serendipity. And I am sure you are tired .. but in that good way that comes from playing with the grands!! (They are so sweet; happy, thoughtful big sister … and I can almost hear Ezra laughing in that one picture.)
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Me, too, Sallie. 🙂
It is a good tired and I’m sure you know how that goes.
Ezra was having so much fun being sprayed and splashed and watered down. It was absolutely delightful watching him play in the water.
Hope you are having a nice weekend, Sallie.
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How wonderful to share your life with your family. Your grandchildren look so happy to be with you and play in the water. Enjoy and have fun!
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We have had a most delightful time, Gerlinde, and I think the children enjoyed it as well. Life is grand – especially right now. 🙂
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Wonderful, wonderful, Penny! It sounds like this wasn’t a “scheduled” time with the children which means you received a really fabulous surprise! I’m so happy for all of you…and know that the children must have been thrilled with the visit. Those smiling faces say a lot, Penny, and I’m sure you will have lots of wonderful memories to keep you company while you recover. 🙂 I do love water features for children, too! Always fun on a hot summer day!
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It was an unscheduled and much appreciated surprise with but a few days to anticipate their arrival – and we tried to make the most of every moment. Thank you, my friend. I do have many wonderful memories and I hope they do too.
Water, water, everywhere – and children as well. 🙂
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What great photos! It makes me smile just thinking how happy the unexpected visit must have made you and Tom!
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We were elated, Janet. 🙂 They kept us hopping, happily. Miss them so much already.
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