Do you share the wonder?

Our lives revolve around just a few things. Top of the list, is our grandchildren. I know I post a lot about horses and ranching, but there is a reason to live, and it's for these little people. We make sure we involve them in all aspects of our lives, but sometimes, a day is just for playing

There are things that just kind of go along with summer. One of those things is kids playing in the yard. We try to make sure there are very interesting things to do at our house, that can occupy lots of time. One of the days we had granddaughters at the house, we decided to make home made ice-cream. Many of you have done this. and many have not. If you have, these photos should help bring to mind your own "Wonder Years" * ... of hot summer days, playing with siblings and friends, water fights, and drinking from a hose. * If you have not done these things, there is no time like soon! * to do them for yourself, and even way more importantly, for the children that look to you for great experiences. * I had a 'ball' that has a little cylinder in side it....so you just mix some heavy cream and sugar, and maybe fruit, and fill the outside with ice and rock salt. * Let the kids kick it around for awhile, and later, there is delicious ice cream. * You can do a similar thing with coffee cans, one inside the other. * It's such a simple thing, and because they make it themselves, imagine the wonder and the "mmmmm..." as they eat it. Kind of beats the ice-cream truck!

In the following photo, Grandpa is "bowling" at the kids, and let me tell ya, they were running and screaming with delight.

They get their own opportunities to roll the ball, and however they want to do it is perfect. A bit of hoolahooping and before long it was done

Then Grandpa takes a rest with a precious girl

Speaking of drinking from a hose....I'm pretty sure she's loving life right now

On another day, we take her out to learn to drive a truck, cuz you can never start too early

There is no way, you can look at this photo without smiling. She is on the trampoline, about to be 'got' by grandpa!

Every year I grow Sunflowers, and here is one reason why. I love anyone to enjoy them

We have this little miniature Amish wagon, I have not completely decided what to put in it, but this day, it belonged to a mini driver.

These photos are just a few days ago. Jilly is seeing if she can fly in her new boots,

One thing I absolutely LOVE about this photo, is Izzy (the black pup) laughing with a wide open mouth. Izzy is Sams' niece, and is so much like him, sometimes you have to do a double take. She's smaller, but she's growing, and she loves these kids as much as he does. It looks like she is yelling "JUMP!!!!!" And of course, there is Scout who is always around when the kids are outside

Not to be outdone by a girl, Bryce tries his turn at jumping. * He also has new boots, and they are pretty cool. * They have a red top with blue cuffs...and a spider web across the top, with of course a Spider in the middle of the web.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their summer..... and helped a child have 'Special Moments" they also will pass down to their children and grandchildren. Traditions start now!