Summerish Things and a Nature Hike

Somehow, we are thick into June and finding our summer rhythm quite nicely. I don't think I've even set foot out of bed before 7 o'clock one single time {hoo-rah!}. Par for the course, the noble plan to keep the kids reading, writing and 'rithmatic-ing through the summer has instead been replaced with cartoons, pool dates, outside play, and a whole bunch of popcicles. I think we all needed a break more than I thought we did. And really what else can you do when the sun comes out and the grass greens up and your four little people beg, "Swimming, Mommy? Puhhhh-leeeeese?" That, and it's harder to work on your tan while monitoring math worksheets ; )

This last week, we also took an hour's jaunt North and hit up the Santa Fe Canyon Preserve. The kids had an absolute blast hiking, birding, watching for beavers and wading through water-a BIG deal for these desert dwelling babies. It was positively fabulous. Like, "When can we go back?" kinda fabulous. We made it there by about 10:30 in the morning but I can only imagine what this place would be like early in the morning or at dusk. Frogs, and birds, and beavers, oh my! 

Here are some of our photos from our family trek. I particularly love the pics of all four kids together but I am sorta partial. As for what caught the kids attention and made them all look up? Military helicopters. Can you figure out who enjoyed seeing them most?