the boys

As the summer days increase their hourly stretch of sunlight my older boys can be found spending most of their days outside. Playing. And imagining.

Here are some of my top ten you might have boys around tips.

1} Never approach a bush, or pine tree, or tree without first assuming there might be a little boy hiding inside. And even if you see that flash of blue always be surprised when discovering him. Congratulate him on his stealth ability.

2} Elaborate forts can be made simply by carving away a niche in those pine trees, placing down some wood, and finding an old painters tarp. All together? Equals the idea of a boy's Better Homes and Garden paradise.

3} Little boys {especially ones who play in hideouts most of the afternoon} are rarely clean. Always invest in a good stain remover. My favorite? Zout.  And learn from me -- khaki shorts + dirt = hard to clean. So also invest in numerous pairs of khaki shorts at local garage sales for fifty cents each.  Then call them play clothes and don't worry about the stains. :)

4} Make sure to also check large maple trees for climbing boys. And don't cut all the branches off that are close to the ground. Yes, it may look better, but for the sake of those climbing little ones they need a starting branch. Plus, when they're grown you'll look back and be grateful for those lower branches that you left for them.

5} Just in case those khaki shorts from tip number three looked too good I thought I'd share the front view as well. Note that the bottom of the shorts makes an excellent napkin replacement. So while you invest in Zout your napkin budget {in the summer} will drastically decline.

6} Sometimes you can catch them looking angelic. Have your camera ready and snap away. When you ask them what they were thinking the answer will probably be -- how do I make a better roof for the fort or I wonder what would happen if I hang from that branch or can I have a snack 'cause I'm starved.

7} They prefer to go barefoot. Don't bother buying fancy shoes. And don't buy light-up blinky shoes once they're past three. They will not wear them.

8} Even the littlest of boys will like to play with sticks.

9} The littlest of boys will always want to play with the bigger boys. Great big brothers {like Samuel has} will include their little brother. Even though his idea of fun might not match up with their idea of fun. Remind those older boys that naptime {or bedtime} is around the corner.

10} And last, but not least, little boys {under two} are not ashamed to stop and smell the flowers. Or else pick it. So purchase marigolds -- they're hardy and cheap.

Have a wonderful Monday!  I'm off to wash those above khaki shorts, prepare numerous pbjs, round up the nerf guns, and play with those fabulous boys of mine. Make sure to pop over to my friend Carissa's blog for more lovely monday miscellany.

Any you might have a boy lessons that you've learned?