We Find Delight

We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nearly two years ago, I posted some photos of my neighbour's niece, Lynzie. We have many adorable children who live on our street. I've shown you their faces before and I will again. They're beautiful little people. For today's post, the focus is back on Lynzie.

If my math is correct, Lynzie is just about four and a half now. And I still think she's still one of the most photogenic kidlets on the planet. Tell me if you don't agree. I dare ya!

Here she is - two years older than last time and every bit as cute.


Children are a great comfort in your old age -- and they help you reach it faster, too. ~ Lionel Kauffman





Children in a family are like flowers in a bouquet: there's always one determined to face in an opposite direction from the way the arranger desires. ~ Marcelene Cox






There's nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child. ~ Frank A. Clark





I take my children everywhere, but they always find their way back home. ~ Robert Orben





Never raise your hands to your kids. It leaves your groin unprotected. ~ Red Buttons





You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance. ~ Franklin P. Jones

 



One thing they never tell you about child raising is that for the rest of your life, at the drop of a hat, you are expected to know your child's name and how old he or she is. ~ Erma Bombeck

I hope you enjoyed the many faces of Ms. Lynzie

Kidlet Collection

Who can resist a cute kidlet?

Not I.

Some of these faces belong to my young neighbours. Others drew me in with my camera as they passed by, walking with a parent. Still others were caught from a distance while they were at play. I hope you enjoy them. All were taken last summer and autumn.



My lovely little neighbour, Jailyn lives across the street. I love this pensive look on her face.





Handsome little Alex lives right next door.




Another good looking guy - Riley. He always has mischief in his eyes.





This little darling was plunked down on the walking path by her mom who was trying to snap a portrait of her. Frank and I were approaching from her side and she kept focusing on us instead, so of course I focused my camera on her. Isn't she a cutie?





These kids were having fun jumping around outside of a church situated along the path where I walk.





Father and son walking through the park. Gotta love those boots on the little guy.





Mother and daughters walking along the dock. There's something endearing about the little girl holding her stuffed animal under her arm, with the dress strap slipping off her little shoulder.





Father and daughter enjoying their stroll. You'll have to trust me when I tell you that she had a huge grin on her face as they passed me by.

I hope you found my kidlet collection entertaining. More photos coming up soon.

Faces

Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.

~ Fred Rogers

There are quite a few adorable, young faces in my neighbourhood. Here are just a few of them.


Lily is challenging you to a game of tennis. Do you accept?






Game over, Lily rides off into the sunset with her Prince Charming - Lincoln.





Lincoln's big brother, Tyler, wide-eyed over the young twosome.





Lily's older brother, Winston was busy riding up and down our dead-end street on his fancy wheels.





Riley almost always has a smile on his face.





Another neighbourhood cutie, Momma Squirrel watches the action from above.





Looking for a little action of his own, Benny is all dressed up and ready to hit the town.





Not to be outdone, Zephyr sports the same stylish accessory. What a copy cat!





My son's lovely girlfriend, Veronica is quite popular at our house around meal time. Somebody needs to teach those creatures some manners.

My postings and visits have been in a bit of a lull lately - which may continue for a while. I'll post when I can and likewise for the visit. I'll get back on track eventually but in the meanwhile, I'm away from home (usually at Frank's) more often than not. Thanks for your kind understanding.

People Watching

The mish-mash of weather we've been having - anywhere from cooler than classic spring to ultra-warm summer-like days has brought all sorts of people out of the woodwork. Here are a few of the younger variety which I've encountered on various walks.

This little sweetie was enjoying the gulls as they flew overhead.

And the ducks and geese which were wandering close to the dock in hopes of a handout.

Her brother was a bit less active but every bit as cute. He enjoyed peeling the bark off of this stick.

These two were also interested in what was happening in the water beneath them.

And he was hoping to connect with one of those creatures underwater.

She looked pretty in pink as she jogged by - her pony tail matching her hoodie. When my son's girlfriend saw this photo, she realized the girl was someone she knew.

I refer to this little group as "Trouble in a Tree." It was the first warmish day of the year and they found their favourite limb on which to hang out and share a bottle.

Here's even more trouble. That water is cold and deep.

Frank spotted this little girl on a walking trail behind us. And so, for another few days, this is The End.

Tiny Cousins (and Big Ones Too)

This past weekend was a time of celebration. It was Easter, Passover, Spring, the beginning of a week long holiday from school for my son, Alex and it was my older boy, Jeffrey's twenty third birthday. For the first time in the four years that he's attended RMC (Royal Military College), his birthday coincided with the long weekend. We were happy to have him home with his family.

Jeffrey likes to cook but doesn't get the opportunity to do that when he's away at school. This works out well for us because it means that he looks forward to cooking when he's at home. On Friday night, he made a delicious curried pork for Frank and me. It was an unplanned dish since stores were closed due to the holiday. He pulled a few items out of cupboards, fridge and freezer and before we knew it, dinner was served.

On Sunday night - Jeffrey's birthday, he cooked a delicious feast for his Dad, brother Alex and me. First on the menu was salad with lettuce, watercress, basil, tomatoes and green onions with a dressing made of fresh grapefruit juice, lemon juice, olive oil and seasonings. It was followed up with lamb, peppers and mushroom kabobs, maple glazed salmon barbecued on a cedar plank, and if that wasn't enough, gigantic meatballs cooked with onions, tomatoes and wine. How many people do you know who consider it a luxury to cook for others on their own birthday?

Earlier that afternoon, we had a lovely brunch at our most gracious hosts Amanda and Colin's home. Amanda and my boys are second cousins which would make her wee ones second cousins once removed. Her adorable kidlets are featured in some of the photos below.

Easter eggs, both real and chocolate decorated the dining table.




And decorated this face. "No, I didn't eat any chocolate. Why do you ask?"




Her brother seemed more interested in this sucker - after all there's one born every minute.




The birthday boy, guy, man - my older son, Jeffrey.




His handsome brother, Alex in a pensive moment.




And speaking of pensive moments.. what a face!




After brunch, there was a request by Ms. Chocolate Face for Alex to play guitar, so he borrowed Amanda's instrument and obliged. He had a little bit of help.




Quite a bit, in fact.




Shortly afterward, a couple of the men got into a bit of a standoff. Don't they look tough?




Someone was in top fashion with her lovely Easter chapeau.




It was a lovely afternoon spent enjoying family, fine food and good music. Thanks, Amanda and Colin, and the tiny cousins...




It was eggceptional!