I love swim lessons. Year after year, those two weeks at Teacher Linda's provide me the opportunity to just sit poolside and do nothing other than watch my children. Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate but more often than not, the sun smiles on us. Once Kai realized swimming does involve getting one's head wet (though, ahem, some of us manage to avoid that), he had a blast flying into the water.
Hans and Jan went kayaking for a couple of days in celebration of Jan's recent birthday. ("Recent" is relative when one has a farm and five boys...) The weather was ideal and I was more than a bit envious of their island encounters. Although I doubt I would have had the stamina and courage to keep up with the two of them. In typical Hans fashion, this was no beginner's outing, although it was first time either of them had gone sea kayaking. They covered some serious territory and thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. My firstborn babe is indeed growing up. 
the best boardwalk, ever
"How to Really Enjoy a Low Tide"
We had a full week with two Ugandan orphans; the crew of seven boys made the most of it. Trivia: The ship in the back, Lady Washington, starred in Pirates of the Caribbean.
where ski meets sea
creating veggie critters at the food co-op's community party
Yeah for family-friendly races!.JPG)
Jan took charge of the vegetable garden this year and has an eager assistant in Kai.
Box o' books!
Jan & Per earn their keep.
pasture-ized
Earlier this summer Rafe became the fourth brother of the band of five to make his way through this book ~ as evidenced by its tattered appearance. One more to go...how time flies!
