Fun outside

We have experimented lately with letting the kids go outside to play by themselves (no adult supervision). It is scary and has really been a leap of faith on my part. I know it sounds silly - I was playing by myself outside when I was much younger - but when they are together playing, they just have no interest in behaving, it is just too much fun to be bad! Not to mention the absolutely terrifying stories you hear on the news about children being hurt or taken. Anyway, they love their new sense of freedom, and have really enjoyed playing with these "bike" toys, which they outgrew a while ago. They take them to the top of the "little hill" and roll down. The little daredevils especially like playing bumper cars, of a sort, and crashing into each other as they get to the bottom. Lucy loves it too, and goes for their feet as they roll. Of course I peek from the dining room to be sure they are still there and not bleeding or limping every few minutes (I'm afraid it is too much of a leap for me to leave them completely to themselves for that long!)

The drought has really reaked havoc on our lawn - what little grass we had is absolutely gone and now even the weeds - our mainstay for greenage in the backyard - are dying. I don't know if it is the recent frosts or no water, but I am already looking forward to the spring and new growth.