how does your garden grow??

The past three or four years we have had much fun planting a vegetable garden. 

Last year, though we got our plants in late, we had a pretty successful first

go at gardening in the Northwest. (you can look here to see what we planted.....)

WELL, sadly not much has happened this RAINY, COLD month of June. 

(it's been in the 50s this week!!!!) Folks, the garden just ain't happenin'!! 

I missed my window of sunny days in May, and between our trip to CA and 

homeschooling, (we have to continue through June.....uuuggghh!!)

I have not had the desire or energy to attack our garden plot. 

The kids, however, came up with a wonderful use of the area. 

One afternoon, unbeknownst to me, the girls got into their bathing suits and started making 

mud pies with Toby..... 

You guessed it..... right in the middle of my weed-infested garden!! 

A couple of things about this were funny to me. 

Earlier in the day, the three had declared they were going to have a picnic

in the backyard. I kind of half-heard them and said fine.

Ellie made their spread and sure enough they enjoyed a fine lunch outside. 

I thought, "Good for them. How I LOVE it when spontaneous, creative play

happens with little direction from me!" 

It's unusually pleasant and uncommon when half the day passes and I hardly

hear a peep from these guys. Well... they weren't through. 

We had just been back from our trip.... and very WARM weather.... for a couple of days,

and I was trying to readjust to the Northwest climate. It's just COLD here!! 

I think it was mid 60s this particular day, but that didn't stop these three 

from CONTINUING their self-directed, creative play. I have absolutely no idea

what made them decide to dive into the mud..... (I can't say I remember them ever doing this before!)

But hey, like I said, I'm all for self-directed, creative play....

even if it means they get super dirty!! 

I even ended up getting the 

hose out and spraying them off because they were SUCH a mess. 

Of course, the cold weather didn't faze them and they were all smiles and screams,

running across the yard, as I tried to pelt them with the water. 

I was lazy and didn't get my camera out for the picnic,

but I certainly could NOT let this action miss documentation:

 

Well, I guess though my garden does NOT grow.... it's good for somethin'.
:: mud pies, smiles, and cute pictures ::
That's certainly better than nothin' :)