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Four boys will run you ragged if don't find ways to stay on top of them. For Graham, he gets frustrated if his toys get out of reach. We've discovered that a simple containment policy keeps him happy.



For the older boys, we set them loose in our backyard. We've never gotten so much good out of that backyard as we have this summer and fall. The boys climb all over their swing set and really enjoy their little basketball hoop and wagon. They play in the leaves and dig holes and jump off of everything higher than ground level. We haven't had any broken arms yet but I won't be too surprised when it happens.




Earlier today the boys were outside and the wind was bringing the leaves down like a gentle snowfall. Just to be ornery, I hollered out the door, "Boys, pick up all of those leaves right now! I want that yard clean!""

Tanner stopped in his tracks surrounded by golden leaves, "There's too many…" Brennan, crest-fallen, lamented, "Dad, it'll take forever!" And then they both turned to start picking up leaves!

I jumped to correct the misunderstanding, "Daddy's just kidding. Go have fun in the leaves. Go play! It's okay." I felt horrible for interrupting their play, but I was more than a little satisfied at their willingness to obey. What wonderful boys.