caterpillar, cocoon, wings

i was away with some sweet friends this weekend.

a few days to connect, rest, renew and make memories.

in ways it was hard to justify the time away.

time away from the pace of spring. 

time away when summer isn't too far off.

but just like the butterflies we hatched this spring.

little caterpillars that quickly grow to be big fat caterpillars.

that build a small cocoon around themselves.

that stay inside for more than two weeks.

then nibble a hole, wiggle themselves out and become a beautiful butterfly.

we mamas know this abbreviated eric carle tale all too well.

this weekend was like a two day cocoon.

a transformative rest after days and weeks of quick & productive growing.

a time to nibble a hole and wiggle (hee hee) into the home stretch.

a time to hatch, stretch, spread and enjoy a new set of wings.

because while the kids sing songs, get certificates and report cards

to mark the end of a school year.

we parents don't get any fancy awards or certificates for making it through.

we don't even get an attendance record!

but it sure is quick and productive, isn't it?

and we sure are ready to spread these wings and fly into summer.

oh yes, yes we are.

here are a few of our family apples, pears, plums, strawberries & oranges...

chocolate cake, ice cream cone, pickle, swiss cheese, salami, lollipop, sausage, cupcake & watermelon...

a bit of our life eating these last few weeks.

caterpillar hatching

spring soccer conditioning

heritage day irish lad

garden planting

planting and cleansing

and lots of oiling

annual egg hunts at the farm

new york day trips

little feminist treasures for mama's meetings

team meetings in the barn

coach and player

lax playing

baseball too

sideline sister sweetness

daddy daughter sweetness

mrs. mcgregor and her rabbit

helpful farmhand

hands & basket full strategy teaching

scrubbing and creating

adventuring at home

adventuring in nyc

girl scout adventures

mama & her scout

life guard on duty with the scouts

storytime bonding

snuggles and bonded

cousin rocket launch

launching into youth group

journey through acts with mcc

best seat at the stadium

team runs in the rain

final blue belt training

new green belt rank

boys of baseball

boys of lax

girls of defoyd backyard farm

chicks just being chicks 

boys just being boys

defoyd backyard farm band practice

defoyd backyard farm barn bash

barn bashers

bashers bashing

farmers bashing

kiddo playdates

kiddo snack buffets

smelly poopin' with company

lilac smelling

oily smelling

principal office offender

keynote speakers

keynote speakers also set off the fire alarm

my lil' barista

mama's minions

gus the dog and the gardener

soooo much rain

and...soooo soon summer will be here.

so let's spread our wings and fly.

we got this.