swings & doodlebugs.

swinging., originally uploaded by Luna Soledad.

Despite having been overcome with the plague this past weekend and the "good car" breaking down, we four did manage to slip away Saturday for a cookout with dear friends, Nikita and Wes, in High Point, NC.

The home is nestled on acres and acres of what was once an active dairy farm. The massive lushly green lawn is filled with wonderful big old Oak and Magnolia trees (in full bloom). One such grand tree held from its high bough "the world's greatest tree swing," as Wes puts it. Indeed, such a simple pleasure and it was magnificent. --We all took turns.

We had a great meal with great friends beneath large covered patio overgrown with ivy and various fragrant vines. The kids ran and played and wandered about... Liam discovered "echoes" which provided endless entertainment. Isabel explored the expanse of the great outdoors freely much to her delight. We explored the old dairy barn and played on antique tractors.

And I taught Liam the age old secret of "Doodle Bug calling"...

"Doodlebug, Doodlebug
Come out, come out
Your house is on fire..."

Then as I gently swished the straw around in the Antlion's lair, he suddenly appeared like magic.

"Why?" Liam wanted to know.
"Well, because we tricked him and told him his house was on fire."
"Why?"
"To make him come out so we could see him."
"Oh..." and then back to the tractor he ran...

"Children are curious and are risk takers. They have lots of courage. They venture out into a world that is immense and dangerous. A child initially trusts life and the processes of life."

...John Bradshaw