Lately...

I've been sticking to my goal of laying low and not over-scheduling the family.
We've been enjoying lots of down time, snuggles and low-key play dates. This post will be "photo-heavy," but will give you a good idea of how we've been spending our time lately.

We've been...

playing outside a lot. 

The weather has been amazing and this little guy LOVES to be outside.

 ...enjoying watching the birds on the bird feeders. 

Parker found a great spot to set up his stool and watch them eat and sing to each other. 

I love hearing their beautiful noises. It's very soothing to me.

 ...eating lots of peanut butter and clementines; two of Parker's favs.

...enjoying our friends.

 We hosted a Minecraft play date with 4, count em, 4 computers!

 

This little Cub Scout lunch date was after the Pinewood Derby (more on that in another post):

 McDonald's with a friend.

(why do 7-year old boys think it's so funny to be gross or make faces in pictures???)

(Parker was in ice cream heaven)

...doing some crafting.

I think there are going to be some very happy Grandparents when they receive these beauties in the mail.

 

...snuggling in Mom & Dad's bed.

(while talking to Grandparents on the phone)

 (and while watching the premiere of Chima).

...and sharing some laughs.

(Payton said to Parker, "Here, put on this hat!")

 

 We had a friend's son babysit for us the other night. He drives a Jeep. Brian asked him to drive the boys around the block. They were all in heaven. Brian cannot WAIT to get his Jeep some day. :)

So that's what we've been up to lately.

Enjoying the slower pace.

Enjoying the blessing of family.

Enjoying life's simple pleasures.

(like a great cup of coffee at Cracker Barrel in the middle of the afternoon...just because)

What about you?

What are you enjoying these days?

Lately...

Lately, we've been...

Playing with lots of Christmas gifts...

including this "Intro to Origami" set. Payton made all sorts of animals and things...all of which Parker wanted to keep for himself. :)

Playing a lot of Play Dough, or "dough dough" as Parker calls it.

(Side note: I got the Preschool Play Dough "Perfect Pop Maker" this week on clearance at Target and it is awesome!!)

This is one activity that both boys enjoy and will actually play nicely together while doing it. It's hard finding something for kids 6 years apart in age to play together. But Play Dough seems to bridge the gap in age.

Fishing in our little pond out front.

Payton started it last week with his friends and Parker insisted that Brian take him fishing on Saturday morning when Payton was still at his sleepover.

 

Playing a little flag football.

A good friend of mine organized a flag football game for her son & his friends. I was amazed at how many kids showed up! We actually had to split it into 2 games because there were so many kids.

Of course Brian coached Payton's team. :)

 

And Payton thoroughly enjoyed getting disgustingly dirty.

 

Enjoying some awesome weather.

The other day we laid out a big ol beach towel in the driveway and just soaked up the cool breeze mixed with warm sun. I enjoyed a cup of coffee while Parker played with an old-school toy. Do you remember "Wooly Willy?" He loved it.

 And then we went to the park and took a long walk through the wooded path. For whatever reason, this path which is usually packed with rowdy kids, was totally quiet and serene. 

Parker found a huge stick to drag along the path and we sauntered through the woods enjoying the afternoon sun setting overhead.

What have you been enjoying lately?