Things I Didn't Know About Summer Until Now

Or, in other words, things I didn't know about summer when you have kids.

- Despite playing in water most of the day, Cailin gets absolutely filthy and requires a bath every night.

- Every night she leaves an impressive ring around the tub; again, despite playing in water all day.

- Kiddie pools and water tables double as nifty bird baths. In fact, the birds sit in the cherry tree and give Cailin heck until she gets out of their bathing area.

- Because of these newly discovered water toys, we're up to three outfit changes a day, plus jammies. The laundry piles up quick!

- For some reason, wherever Cailin finds water, she is also able to somehow find dirt. Becoming a scientific genius, she mixes the two to form mud. See above mentioned laundry.

- Cailin isn't that fond of ice cream and popsicles are definitely outside treats.

- Bailey insists on being wherever Cailin is and keeps an eye on her in the backyard. It's adorable. Cailin gives her drinks out of the water table.

- Stagnant leaves tossed out of the kiddie pool are absolutely perfect for rolling in. So says Bailey at any rate.

- Both Cailin and Bailey are permanently scented like tree sap. See above.

- Speaking of those sticky tree sap things, the poplars are dropping them like crazy and I have a billion or so to pick off the floor, furniture, kid and dog half a dozen times a day. The broom vac is full of 'em.

- Cailin is not scared of bugs at all. Or loud noises. Or much of anything.

- Cailin thinks cats are dogs and calls them 'puppies'. She also calls them into the yard, much to Bailey's chagrin. Bailey is terrified of cats.

- Bedtime is getting later and later because of all the extra daylight. It's hard to go to bed when the sun is still shining!