Filling our Bowls

My sister in law reminded me of this month's Empty Bowls event at one of our local community colleges. Our family tries to attend each year, but somehow I had missed the announcement! We made plans to meet and have a lunch of soup together. Each of the kiddos quickly picked out a bowl for their lunch. They chatted with their cousins about their choices and other hot topics of the day. It took me a bit of time to find the perfect bowl. I picked up and walked around the tables with quite a few different options. My brother offered his sage advice to go with function over form. I think I was able to find one that combined both quite beautifully.

On the way home, Eamon and Benton agreed that they couldn't wait to have cereal in their new bowls. We don't often have cereal in our home, but both of them love it. I decided to offer a variation on breakfast for dinner. We were going to have cereal for dinner, AND they could pick whatever cereal they wanted from the store. I wasn't going to check for food dyes, hydrogenated oils, non-GMO grains, or high fructose corn syrup. We were going to shop at Target not the health food store. They were ecstatic. They loaded our cart with Trix, Lucky Charms and Cinnamon Toast Crunch; I grabbed Rice Chex (can't get too out of control!). We waited until dinner time for the craziness to begin. Each of them poured their bowls of cereal and milk (except for Aine who doesn't like milk). Eamon ate several bowls before his belly started to hurt. Benton combined cereals and proclaimed it the best ever. Aine ate all the marshmallows out of her bowl. It was fantastic. They had so much fun. We have decided to make it an annual event. So now we have new bowls and a new tradition-empty bowls followed by crazily filled bowls.

Cousins, and that Rope

Earlier in the week while Benton had an appointment, the older kiddos spent some time with their aunt and cousins. Benton was very disappointed and mentioned that they get all the fun. His initial disappointment was allayed when we returned and spent the rest of the afternoon playing and dining with them. It was a delight to watch them interact. Each is getting older and the dynamics are ever changing.





Bikes, scooters and the skateboard were pulled out of the car. Laps were done. Rollerblades were donned and help was provided. Of course, the rope was also retrieved from the car, and much hilarity ensued. The kiddos worked on tying the rope to each other and the skateboard. They would run as fast as possible pulling their victim cousin along for a speedy ride often ending in a crash into a curb. This combination of pulled and pulley involved the bikes, skateboard and even the rollerblades. Each walked away with the knowledge that if you don't like the speed instead of screaming for the puller to slow down, just let go of the rope! No one was hurt and the laughter was infectious.


Wheeled vehicles were eventually cast aside for more of the rope. After climbing the nearby trees, Eamon and Aine decided it would be great fun to tie the rope between two. They worked on either end tying grand knots. Eamon was the first to attempt the tightrope holding tightly onto the branches swaying above his head. He didn't progress very far the first time and his cries for help were a bit comical since he was only a couple feet off the ground. Each of the kiddos and their cousins took turns. Comments about monkey toes abounded. Soon the play turned to hanging from the rope and attempting to cross that way. Amidst all this fun, the sprinklers came on and children and mamas went running!

With water spraying, the children began running and dancing throughout the grass. They yelled and sang as they played in the water. Holding hands and running through the spray elicited such happiness. They enjoyed the moment and the spraying water as temperatures hovered near 80 on this fine fall day. It was such a fun time with their cousins. I am glad that they know and love these people and have them nearby to play with often.

Cider, Donuts and Snake Mounds

Since arriving in Michigan, the kiddos and I have spent quite a bit of time with their cousins. One adventure we shared was a visit to a local cider mill. Throughout my childhood, my parents took us to many u-pick locations. I loved picking apples with my family. I only have fond memories. My husband's family did not go apple picking. Instead they went to the cider mill. So that is where we headed.

The kiddos couldn't remember going for cider and donuts a few years ago, so the trip was full of new. The addition of friends was a bit bonus. The kiddos explored the surrounding canal first. We saw fish and crawfish in the waters as a couple dragonflies whirred in the air. The play soon became wet as Eamon and his cousin began making mud balls with the hopes of having a battle. Aine and Benton began work on a city complete with elevated roads. Aine then began work with her aunt on an elaborate snake. Her aunt told of the serpent mounds in Ohio, which we had never heard of. The snake even has a nest complete with mud ball eggs.

With sandy bodies and growling bellies, we headed back into the mill for cider and donuts. The kiddos loved them. With sugared mouths more play ensued climbing on a wagon and pretending to drive. I would say that even without the donuts, it was a success. I am so glad since the apple crop was hit with a late frost, and I don't think we will be apple picking this year.