“The out-of-door life takes the child afield and keeps him in the open air, which not only helps him physically and occupies his mind with sane subjects, but keeps him out of mischief. It is not only during childhood that this is true, for love of nature counts much for sanity in later life.” ~Anna Comstock
(I’m not convinced about the “keeps him out of mischief” part)
These pictures were taken last Thursday. It’s early spring here in New England and we are still wearing our winter coats for the most part. However, we have had several days when the temperatures got up to the upper 50’s, early 60’s. Thursday was one of those days. The sun was shining and the children had bare feet and no coats. I went outside with them for a while that day, with my camera. Seth was with us, too, bundled up in his infant carseat. We were all together.
And I should have been suspicious when I saw Davy, streaking around the pond with his life jacket on and no pants.
He must have tested the water and decided to put his pants back on, because the next thing I knew, David *with pants*, was sitting on the “boat” that he made with his brothers. It’s the craziest invention yet…they buckled life jackets all over their ride-on toy car.
Here he is, with his “oar”, paddling away. He is proud and excited. He imagines that he will soon be sailing all over the pond. He is certain that his boat is sturdy and water-tight.
But, I lost track of him, and forgot about him as I admired tadpoles that had “sprouted” their back legs.
(By the way, several of you noticed how large the tadpoles are…it’s because they will be bull frogs).
And took pictures of our new friends, the “sallies” (salamanders).
I forgot about Davy, that is, until I heard gasping sounds. Then, I looked over and saw him! He was swimming back to the edge of the pond! David has the honor of being the first swimmer of the season. (April 2, 2009)
He was gasping the whole way because the water was ICE COLD. It took him about 10 seconds to get to the edge and out. He was gasping and paddling as I was laughing and shooting (pictures).
He got out and said, “I liked it. . .at first.” (At first? You mean the first 2 seconds of your 10 second swim??)
Then he said, “I need to go take a hot bath now.” And away he went.
And that is the story of Davy-do’s dip. It must be recorded, as I like to keep track of such seasonal events. When was last years first swim? It was on April 8, 2008, exactly one year ago.
(Thanks so much for the friendly hello’s yesterday, and for praying for us. I am happy to report that Rich arrived safe and sound in Cleveland, OH, late last night. The children and I had a pleasant night here at home, and I had a nice long stretch of sleep. It was the first night that I didn’t wake up repeatedly, wondering if my baby was okay. Seth woke up at 4:30 (after sleeping for 6 1/2 hours) and then we slept together until 6:30 this morning, when we woke up refreshed and ready for the day.)
I just pulled homemade Raisin Bars out of the oven….any takers? 
Love, your friend, ~Shanda
Good to be Home 
I cannot believe how early your kids go swimming! Mine have asked to go wading in the creek a couple of those warm days…but thankfully the creek has been high so I have a good excuse to say no. My girls are dying to come tadpole catching. They still remember doing it 2 years ago with your kids.
Love You a bunch and am glad you had a good night!
Brrrr! It just makes me shiver thinking about that cold water…but how cute of the little guy to go out on his “boat” and give the water a try!
Glad you’re doing well. Davy is somethin’ else! He’s a little Tom Sawyer!
I would have frozen, I think. Kids can do a lot of things that I couldn’t ever do!
Brrr! he makes me cold! Cute pictures and I’ll take one of those raisin bars thank you!
wow that makes me shiver just thinking about getting in that freezing water! Those tadpoles and salamanders are so big! It’s cool seeing them as they progress in their process!
The raisin bars sound yummy.I love raisins but my better half doesn’t so I don’t bake anything with raisins.Glad you had a good night!
I love how easy-going you are as a mother, allowing David to experiment in the water! It is so awesome that you captured his special moments in pictures; he will treasure them some day!Love that quote by Anna Comstock, as well as all the quotes you share. Today I am listening to the focus on the family episode with Dr. Laura, “In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms.” Check it out at family.org if you need some extra encouragement this week! ❤ ❤ ❤ Your children always look so happy, a tribute to the wonderful upbringing they are enjoying by loving parents.
My kids would have thought that 60 degrees was a heat wave! I bet they all would have tested the water! I love the boat- such inventive imaginations! Hope Davy is nice and warm again.
Seriously?? that LOOKS cold, and I didnt even feel it! The tadpoles looks soo neat! & I remember in 4th grade when my class collected salamanders in school. Thanks for sharing..it was fun looking at the pictures!
Oh, to be young again! How cute, I love Davy’s grin as he paddles away…a junior sailor in the making.
A raisin bar sounds yummy. Enjoy your day
Oh my,looks so cold, and to think he had such a big grin! What an adventure, I am sure he will remember and probably talk about. Glad you had a good night. The raisen bars sound yummy…my Biology class would love them. We are dissecting a fish today!
Those raisin bars would taste good with my noon coffee.
Oh my! Leave it to Davy-do! He is so funny! Ofcourse I can remember itching to get in teh pond and getting the answer no several times.
Thats sounds FREEZING!!!!!
I have chills just watching Davy!!! I remember when I moved to PA and it was 60 degrees and everyone was wearing shorts and “going fishing” and there I was bundled up from head to toe–gloves and all! haha This California girl doesn’t wear shorts unless it’s between 80 and 115 degrees!! I love seeing your children outdoors so much–what great memories they will forever have!
Oh my. I just love your little Davy-do… his adventures always make me smile.
I’d love to stop in for some raisin bar. I’ll bring some bread, it’s coming out of the oven shortly.
Such energy and spunk, your little guy has! And tolerance of cold!! Brr! Love the invention; boys come up with some of the most hilarious ideas! Glad your hubs made it to his destination safe, and that you got some sleep….raisin bars? I could handle that with a cup of coffee about now! The little people are down for naps, and I have bread rising…come share a piece with me? have a great rest of your week!
Wow, David is brave…too cold! Glad to hear Rich arrived safely and that you had a good night. Hope your day is lovely today, also.
Make me laugh. So what happened to the boat?
That is so funny! I love how full of life he always is! love ya ~Amanda
Shanda, I just love coming by and “visiting” you and your family via Xanga. Your blog is always a delight. I admire your wisdom in letting your little boys (and Grace) run around barefooted even when it’s cold, and letting them try the adventure of creating a boat and risking a chilly swim. What a wonderful childhood you’re giving them! I’m so glad you’re over your blues and that the sunshine is back out in your heart. God bless you and every one of those precious gifts you and Rich have brought into the world. Your Catholic friend in the beautiful Ozarks, where the dogwoods are in bloom,Celia
that 2nd shot is so great~ i love his face! back in the day i would have been the first dare devil to jump in~ now, just the thought makes me shiver as i sit w/ my little space heater all snug up to my fee!!! =)
You don’t know how many times I just said “Ohhhh myyyyyyy GOOOOOOOOODness as I read this! And I totally love that quote at the top! Raisin bars sound mighty good! I’ll have to scare up a recipe and see if it’s something my family would enjoy. I’m glad you’re doing well! Love, GAil
Such a Wonderful memory he created today….I love the freedom you give your kids. Make me wish we lived in the woods….So glad to hear that your spirits are lifting….Praying for you and you family ((((Hugs)))
The invention is all very huck finn! LOL! Where isthe boat now at the bottom of the pond?