One last summer play

We are in the midst of a dry spell, and our grass is dying, so Daddy decided to start running the sprinkler a few days ago.  We were just coming back from a walk, and Henry told us he wanted to run through the sprinkler.  Henry got in one last summer romp. 

Actually, he has a few more days of summer left.  And it looks like the heat is going to stick around for a while.  So.... we'll probably make it back through some spraying water again.

Alarming

Today, I woke up to the sounds of my clock radio/ alarm but somehow managed to convince myself that it was Saturday morning.  Ahhh... Saturday.  Back to slumber.

Amazingly, I woke up later to "Mama?  Mama?  Mama!  Mama?"  It suddenly occurred to me that Henry was awake and calling for me.  I told Cory, "Henry's awake.  I'll get him."  But when I opened the door, Henry was standing in front of me, poised to put his hand on the doorknob.  He said, "I was looking for you, Mama!"

Yes, Henry has been in his big boy bed for a couple of weeks now, but it was the first time that he woke up on his own on a weekday morning, and certainly the first time he walked around the house looking for me in the morning.  Somehow, it's an even bigger shock to me than seeing him in his bed--the idea of him waking up, stretching, climbing out of bed, strolling down the hall to the kitchen... it's so grown up!  

Of course, I'm also thankful that Henry woke me up this morning.  Maybe he's meant to be my backup alarm.

We are the Champions

Actually, Darion won our last round of frisbee golf-Henry's second round ever.

Congratulations, Darion.  Your competition was sometimes distracted...

But always tough!

Happy Campers

Labor Day weekend (Yes, I'm posting way out of order.) gave us an opportunity to escape to Paris Mountain State Park for a weekend of camping--Henry's first camping trip.  Well, I should clarify.  He did camp all summer, and, in fact, he probably was better prepared than Daddy and I were after he practically dwelled in a mock campsite at school all summer.  It took quite a while and some extra support (Thanks, Grandjoe!) to get up the tent we borrowed.  But, eventually, we had our Taj Ma'Tent up.  We also had some good company, and Henry was glad to have Ella along for the trip.

Here they are just after Henry informed the Park Ranger that his job was to "give a big fat ticket!" and he still kindly gave Henry and Ella a Park Ranger sticker/ badge.

The rest of us were either grilling hot dogs, shopping for firewood (Thanks, Shane.) or fretting over the zillion extra tent poles.  Eventually, after s'mores were devoured, we crashed in our respective tents and slept really, really well.  There's just something about sleeping outside that makes it so good.  Exploring, strolling and biking were the order of the mid-morning.

The Williams went home for the day to watch some football while the Hughes family crawled back in our tent for some more of that really, really good sleeping.

After we were sufficiently rested, we went for a hike around the lake where Cory and I were reminded again of how independent Henry is now.  He was always either in front of our behind us, only letting us help him when we came across the log that just needed to be crossed.

He did let me indulge in a little photo session, so you'll have to indulge me, too:

Oh, and Penny broke the rules, but she totally deserved it.  Camping is just not the same for her as it used to be--not nearly as energy spending, so she had a lot to get out, and water is her favorite neurosis!

After our easy hike, Henry embarked on a climb up the Mayan Ruins.

Kidding.  It was the bath house stairs.

Then, we took a bath (kidding again):

The Williams returned, and we ate s'mores again, sat around the fire, then slept really, really well.  (Except, Amber reports that Ella and Shane booted her off their air mattress.  Ouch!)  Thanks, friends, for spending the weekend camping with us.  Let's do it again!  We promise to bring directions for our tent next time.

Now, what does Henry report was his favorite part of camping?

Packing up the tent.

No, I don't think he was ready to come home, but he truly enjoyed roaming around our campsite and playing with a caterpillar who, sadly, didn't survive the poking and prodding.  Or, maybe it was the shock of Henry's self-selected outfit that did him in.

You still here, summer?

I just sat through a rainy first half of the Furman v. Colgate football game then left when I decided it was too chilly for me in my t-shirt and skirt--no rain gear.  I have to say, I am delighted with the taste of crisp fall football air.  Although, I just might miss some summer play:

Surprise!

Happy day after your surprise birthday party, Nana!  Sorry the whole gang couldn't be there, but I hear that Henry was the life of the party.  We love you very much!

Big Boy Bed

It's happening.  Henry's growing up way too fast.  However, he's thrilled with the progress--especially finally moving into his big boy bed.  Thank you, Grandjoe, for painstakingly painting and then re-painting David's old captain's bed.  I like having my brother's former furniture in our home.

We haven't really finished all the room-redecorating (and who knows if we ever will), but here's a first glimpse at his big boy room.

Henry is completely enamoured with his new bed and insisted on getting in in right after his bath.  So cute!

The bed is not only a suitable resting pad but also a new venue for reading.  We were actually able to stick to our regular bedtime routine, though he did insist that he sit in the chair for one of the stories.

Night, night, Henry!