Then End and the Beginning

Growing up in California, I didn't recognize the change of seasons much.  We had summer and we had winter.  Summer was warm, winter was rainy and a bit colder.  However, since moving to Utah, I have learned to love the change of the seasons because they are distinct.  I love that just as I get tired of hot, things start to cool down and autumn creeps in.  When I get sick of falling leaves, I get falling snow.  Last year Spring didn't come in fast enough for me, but it finally came and with it a reminder of rebirth and resurrection.

Summer is ending, but not without a last gasp!  Daughter K and her husband took off for a couple of days for their anniversary and one of the "triplets" got to stay over.  We went over to the nearby Splash Park.  M had not been there before and at first he was tentative, but then he never stopped!

 All the kids finally figure out that you can step on the water fountains.  It provides endless joy!

 At this park the fountains are placed in a circle with a huge one in the center.  He wasn't brave enough to attack the giant fountain, but he loved running through all the little ones.

 Once he realized there was also a "river" it didn't take long for him to run to it...run in it....run, run run!

Eventually another triplet cousin, S, showed up and they both enjoyed the warm summer day and the cool water.

 
He enjoyed the tramp...

 ...and he loved going down the steps to the lower part of the yard, wandering around and exploring.  When he came back up, no steps for him!  No, it had to be climb the rocks up and get mud all over his shirt!  Such a boy!

 M is very happy to play by himself.  I gathered up all the tractors I could find and he was in tractor heaven!

 

I also discovered that he loved the old Little People toys that his mommy played with as a little girl.  I was cooking a few yards away and occasionally would come over to play with him, but this was not delightful for M.  He had his own plan in mind and I was interrupting!  He played by himself with these toys for a good hour and a half.

 

We had a good time with M.  He stayed with us from Friday through Sunday.  What a darling boy who will be two next month.

 S came over with her parents on Sunday evening.  Nana and S had some quiet time on Nana's bed watching Nick Jr. and drinking grape juice!

 

And here is the start of the new season, Fall.  Daughter K was born on Sept. 3 and every year I know summer is over when her birthday rolls around.  The Anderson girls (we missed daughter-in-law A!) got together to celebrate at Olive Garden.  YUM and Happy Birthday, K!