We Spend Lots Of Time Outside

We spent a week in California this year for Christmas vacation. It's always fun to see the grandparents and play around in the amazing outside space they have created for us. The boys always spend as much time as they can outside while we are down there which means that when night time arrives they are always filthy and exhausted. It brings back memories of my own happy childhood. 

Grandpa needed some help picking up stray peacock feathers and promised everyone a ride in the golfcart if they participated. James was his most dedicated helper. He is such a good boy. 

The other boys helped too but none were as dedicated as he was. 

Grandpa had acquired a new golf cart since our last visit. The boys had an amazing time riding around the property with him. Even on the coldest days they wanted to get bundled up to go for a ride. Obviously, this was not one of those days.

Our friends Emily and Ethan came over for a bit to enjoy the ride as well. 

Caleb and James decided that they would rather take their ride in the back of the cart instead. I tried to keep my worried mother instincts to a minimum. 

Especially since no harm came to them and they obviously had an amazing time. 

Caleb didn't even want to get out even though the ride was long over. 

The kids decided to play in the yard while they waited for the next ride. 

Grandpa was given a trailer while we were there that he proceeded to hook up to the golfcart. 

As you can see, it was very, very popular. 

We could only put David in it while it was stationary because he has absolutely no common sense and no fear. It tends to be a scary combination. James is always such a good sport to pose for me. 

David was especially infatuated with grandpa's new pigs this time around. He tried really hard to climb into the pen with them. 

Really, really hard. 

Grandma Bev talked to him about just watching the pigs instead. He seemed to think that was ok since he was having problems getting all the way in. 

James and Caleb thought it would be a better idea to pretend to shoot the pigs. 

And James even thought he would yell at them a little. I have such nice, soft, docile children. We are so sorry little pigs. 

David found a slide that was as easy to climb up as it was to slide down. He thought that was pretty great.

I think his expression here pretty much sums up everyone's feelings about playing outside in California.