This is what childhood summers should be

The Vincents and Caillouettes took the children canoeing yesterday for Labor Day. The most amazing thing -- all three children came back alive! No one accidently fell in the river (although Sophie tried), no one stood up in the canoe and everyone listened. It really was a great way to end the summer. We may have even convinced Kathleen that outdoor activities can be fun once in awhile! We decided the trick to being on the river with a 5, 4 1/2 and 4 year olds is to make frequent stops for swimming. I think it is so funny, though, that both Sam and Sophie independentyly had to be convinced that there would be no crocodiles, alligators or sharks in the water. Amazingly enough, no one cared about getting dirty or wet -- they just had FUN. At one point, we found an old tire swing in an area we used to picnic. The kids loved it. I truly belive that summer for small children should be about being sweaty, wet and dirty -- there is nothing like the joy you see in their eyes as they discover all the world has to offer. Of course, Sophie continues to insist that she likes "pretend adventures" better than real adventures. Luckily for her -- Disney on Ice is only 10 days away. Nothing says adventure more than Tinker Bell and Ariel on ice skates!