Trip to Florida June 2015 - Helping Hands

Wednesday the 17th: We always have the kids do something to help around the property while we're there. Monday it was the bird feeders. Tuesday it was cleaning out Nuts' goat house and putting in clean hay. Kids helped, with a little complaining because, being the fish that they are, their scales were drying out, but if they want to play, they have to help first. That's typically been our rule.

Graigry pulls down the cobwebs while Xela rakes out old hay.

"When we're helping, we're happy..."

"...and we sing as we go!"
Nate's turn with the hay.

"For we like to help the Nassers;
for we all love them so!"
Neta also likes "driving" the tractor. 

Pushing the fresh hay toward the back

After Nuts had a new bed of hay and  cobweb cleared ceiling, kids loaded up in the cart and we headed to Diane's garden.

Ro making a pose while Graigy rubs "sweat" from his brow.
Everyone waits for instructions.

The wind blows down random small branches and leaves so we picked up what twigs and sticks we could find around her front garden.

There was some playing among the large rocks and bushes
as well as working.

Finally, with jobs done, now that they'd built up a little bit of a sweat, it was time to swim! As soon as we were back in the house, it took only seconds for them to put their suits and start splashing.

Graigry anxious to jump into the deep end.
All the kids loved the tire tube.

Did you know that Ro can plug her nose with her lips?
How many people do you know that can do that?

Nate smiles for the photo.
Graigry is probably telling Neta to get out of the way.

Pool Pals
Last year I got a picture of the kids on the deck.
This year they're in the pool's deep end.

As always, a break for lunch.

Watermelon is a favorite.
Everyone had drippy red chins.

Graigry enjoys a mouthful, multiple times.
I think he finished whatever
watermelons weren't cleaned off.

If the kids weren't in the pool, they were reading, playing the Wii or watching a little television. One of the great things about being with John and Diane is it is truly a relaxing, family time vacation: no stress, no to do's (aside from the daily helping hands which is fun because it's not chores like at home), no agenda. And we do things together. Yes, there is the squabble here and there because someone is not being treated fairly (welcome to life, dearies), but overall, everyone has a good time, cherished memories are created and no one wants to leave when that dreaded time arrives.