Fall Leaves

We have quite a few trees in the backyard (because of the woods directly behind us), but not very many in the front.  We cut down the walnut tree several years ago and there are pine trees up near the road.  For that reason, we are lucky and don't have that many leaves to rake up.  The few leaves that fall into the yard are easy to grind up with a few passes on the lawnmower.

But ... the kids love to jump in the leaves and play in them; we are talking hours of entertainment here.  So, we started a pile and let them play until their hearts were content.  And they did this day after day for almost a week, even inviting the neighbor girl to come over for the fun.

Jack did most of the manual labor, of course.  He is such a hard worker and no job is ever too strenuous or taxing for him.

Jimmy wasn't sure what to think at first, but he followed the lead of the older kids and took pleasure in walking through the leaves and picking them up.

After all, this is an annual tradition for us.

The girls insisted on striking poses for me and I did a double-take when I realized just how long Samantha's limbs are becoming. 

Always smiling.  Always.

The look on her face makes me happy.  Fall leaves mean pure joy here.

A group photo with everyone looking at the camera (!!!):