My Summer Office

My front porch is such a place of happiness for me.  The other day it was pouring buckets outside, and the neighbor kids got out their Star Wars toys and lined the railing with action figures. They played under the awning for an hour and it brought me joy. 

I picked up this cute doormat as a total impulse purchase last week, while shopping for a wedding gift for a friend. I have no regrets. 

A cast iron dinner bell was my birthday purchase and it already brings me all kinds of happiness. I can't wait for the next sunny evening that I can rattle it and call everyone in. "Kiiiiids! Dinerrrrrrrr!!!!" 

On Sunday afternoon, we just sat and rocked and talked the evening away. I have been waiting all year for easy living summer days, and even though the "slow" days are sparse, Sunday evening was restful and rejuvenating. I told Aaron a dozen times, "I know I should get up and make dinner, but I can't move. It's too comfortable to just sit without the pressing need to be somewhere. We eventually grilled hot dogs and ate outside. 

Can you blame me for not getting up? Look at my view. Good company. 

You know you live in the south when you come home on a Thursday night to this happening out front in the neighbor's yard.  Sly Fox better check himself. 

Before anyone freaks out since this is the Internet, after all, (simma!) I feel like I should clarify that it's a pellet rifle and our children were indoors, in bed. 

Also on my porch, more underwear in the collection box! Woot! The kids are up to 285 pair and more arrive every day. 

An epic nerf gun battle took place the other day. I'm still finding foam darts in corners and under furniture. Reese's battle armed was clever...and really dirty when she came in. 

Oh honeysuckle. You smell so so good. Primrose lane is lined with this good stuff and the aroma has wafted up on our porch all month long. 

A happy sight of busy worker bees. 

Sloane loves her some Miss JJ. 

It's the first day of summer break. We made it, you guys. Time to release a deep sigh of relief and get outside. No bedtime looming, no homework to be done. Hooray!