First of the Season

Galveston, Tx
May 31, 2011

One of the advantages of living in Houston is the one-hour trip to the shore.  Our drive is a bit longer than that because, from Kingwood, we have to go south before traveling east but yesterday, the three hour round trip was nothing compared to the fun.

It was a last-minute outing, inspired by an invite from one of Madeleine's swim team/ home school friends.  I went alone with the five girls--something I probably wouldn't have attempted even last year but it went swimmingly.  Madeleine chatted with her friends but also took her sisters out to jump waves in the "deep end" of the ocean.  Sophie looked like a mermaid, swimming and kicking through the surf.  I kept her close to shore for the most part but even she took a few turns farther out with her big sis.  And Ella?  She's still happiest playing in a nice safe pool.  We dug her two yesterday because it took us awhile to find Madeleine's friends and when we did, we moved our camp down the beach.  Pool-digging is not as easy as it looks.  I have a new respect for Chris and my nephews who built Ella little pool palaces every day of our beach trip last summer!  (Interestingly, when the kids made their Top 10 of the week, digging Ella's pools was near the top.)

The number one thing that made the day for me yesterday was the girls' respect for my authority.  They stayed where I could see them and asked permission before venturing anywhere different.  In the last year, I've really come to see how homeschooling helps me with discipline.  One would think that all of the togetherness would wear me out but it actually makes it essential to get any big behavior issues under control.  There are times when I let things go because I am too tired to deal with them but for the most part, I've learned that the best policy is consistent and quick action.  Yesterday was one of those days when I could see the goal line--at least temporarily.
I also thought about the times I have told Chris that I think his job is so much easier than mine.  My comments run along the lines of, "You know, back when I worked full time, I had office space to myself.  No one came along and colored on it or messed with it.  No one tugged on me saying "mama, mama" all day and I wasn't constantly refereeing arguments."  After yesterday though, I have to admit.  There's no contest.  Of the two of us, I have the better deal.  Even on the hard days.  Which makes me one very grateful wife.
So, for the six Doyle Dames, a wonderful start to Summer 2011.

 We ran into a shark right after we arrived but luckily, Ella scared him away with her monster face.

Oh look, he's just a harmless dolphin.  Surely a real shark would snap up these tasty morsels.

 Tis' the season...for a hat.  I bought this one cheap yesterday and it saved my face because I wasn't as vigilant with the sunscreen as I should have been.

 Ella's first pool.  Grace's idea and built almost entirely by her.

Side note:  Grace is a fabulous big sis to Ella.  She sometimes forgets to go easy on Sophie but I suppose surviving Grace will help the Mophus build character, no?

 Ella's second pool built mostly by Mama.

 Mia and her "mud" people

She told Madeleine, "Since I don't get to play with snow, at least I can play with mud."  So sad :(

 Mia really got into the mud people game and worried that they would be washed away.  She wanted to save them and moved them more than once.  It was sweet.  I asked her their names and story but she didn't answer me at first.

 Then she told me to count them.  There were seven--our family--in mud.

I wanted to take a photo but she had to fix my mud person first because the head had fallen off.  I told her, "That's okay, Daddy loves me for my body anyway."  She fixed my head without comment.  She's still a little short to get that joke--which isn't exactly true anyway.  Chris is totally in it for my brains--or maybe my heart :)

 All home schooled.  Pretty impressive group.  They're new to us and I'm excited to get to know them better next year.  Lots of teens for Madeleine to pal around with.

 The three mud people Mia rescued.  I wonder if they're there today, the only evidence of our fun.

Last pic of the day and the story of my life.  There's always someone not with the program isn't there?  I suppose that's what makes life interesting and fun.

Oh, Summer.  So glad you're back!