Summer Simplicity

Today was our family's Monday fun day! We went to Grandma and Grandpa's farm (the "Bell Patch") and went swimming in the pool to enjoy our lovely sunny days here in summery Arizona. Going to Grandma and Grandpa Bell's farm is always a treat! The farm is a literal child's playground heaven. There are trampolines, animals - including horses, mules, chickens, dogs, cats, turkies (new members!), goats, stretches of green pasture, a swimming pool, playground equipment, a vegetable garden with home grown produce, loving hearts and warm welcome arms, it's truly a magical place! Alora LOVES going to the farm, and if she had her way, we'd all move in with Grandma and Grandpa and stay with them forever!! That would be her ideal heaven.

We stopped by McDonalds on the way to pick up some burgers and fries to fill some little tummies for a late lunch, and ate by the pool. At 4:30pm, outside was warm and sunny. Perfect pool weather. Cougar and Alora had a thrilling time splashing and doggy paddling in the water (which happened to be a perfect temperature, not too cold, not too warm) with Daddy. Grandma and Aunt Mari (who Alora practically worships) joined us before long. They didn't have their swim suits on, so they jumped in the pool fully clothed! Too much fun!! Mari had broken her arm falling off a horse a few weeks ago and had it in a cast, which she ended up soaking "inadvertently" within minutes. Try as she did to keep it above water. Given that the cast will be removed on Wednesday, it will only smell for a few days! :)

After a couple hours of splashing and sunning, and briefly jumping on the trampoline to dry off, we then gathered over at Aunt Sharon's big, beautiful house and had dinner together. Baked potatoes and yummy fixings was on the menu. The sun was still up by the time we'd finished eating around 7pm. Long summer days are here.

After dinner, Grandma and Grandpa headed over back to their house to prepare putting up a special pen for the turkies by the pasture. No doubt getting ready for the all American Thanksgiving season. We were invited to stay on to watch Disney's "Pollyanna" with them, but had to take a raincheck to do some last minute shopping.

The sun was setting by the time we hit the road back home, not before stopping briefly over at cousin Brooke's house to tour their cozy abode. Then a quick stop off at Frys grocery store to pick up some bread, juice and other necessary food items, before hitting the freeway back to Vail.

By the time we rolled down our circular drive, the sun had set and the sky had darkened. Little eyes still sparkled from the delights of the day, though I could tell eye lids were beginning to droop and grow heavy.

Quick bubble baths were taken before cuddles, kisses and bed time.

Now, all three kidlets are sleeping, and hubby and I have some time to kick back and relax...I blog and check my emails and reply, he plays World of WarCraft to unwind. We'll probably catch a movie on Pay-Per-View later if there's anything good on.

...A nice change of pace to the mayhem of our household a couple of days ago. >sigh!< So grateful for the respite.

Still wanting to see Indiana Jones at the theater! Perhaps we can fit in a nice dinner and a movie date sometime this week. That would be nice.

And another lovely day with my beautiful family draws to a close. Got lots to do tomorrow, including lots of drawing! And I still need to do some colouring using my new inks and blender pen. Sooo excited!!

Still thinking of something fun to do on Father's Day for our special Daddy. Clint's birthday is also coming up, shortly followed by Cougar's 2nd birthday. Wow! Time flies!!!

We are so blessed. Life is good!

*Big hugs!*

Lis xx