The Fantastically Fierce [Bamboo] Forest

Yesterday was an official day off from school (Constitution Day weekend, I think) here in Mexico and so the kids and I just had a pretty relaxing time! As with most "free time" periods we headed back to the "sticks" -- bamboo sticks that is, which constitute our "forest!" :)

This was on the way out... Candi couldn't [naturally] leave her bear behind, and Marcos couldn't [naturally] help her carry it in a normal fashion... ;)

Aaron & Diego immediately started "building" and wanted to know if I cared that they moved a "bed" to their new tree house. I told them I didn't mind only to hear and see them come back panting and sweating from the exertion... they really moved an actual bed (not just a figurative one like I thought!) to their new home. Ay, no!

Above, Aaron carrying the new "walls" of their house...

... and Diego helping!

These two work together and play together really well; as long as they aren't fighting like brothers! ;)

Candi sometimes gets left behind with the "anciana" [that would be me, just for clarification... it means "ancient woman" :)] when her brothers are off gallivanting and conquering bamboo sticks; however, she is learning to be more and more adventurous!

For instance, she climbed up on this rotten tree stump and was amusing herself by climbing up and down, up and down, up and... ouch! She snagged her foot, slipped sideways, fell off, scratched her leg and knee and hand, and... terror of all terrors... got her [already] dirty pink capris even dirtier... ;)

Don't let me deceive you... she is NOT a girl who stays out of the dirt; on the contrary, it's rare for her (okay... us) to be "super clean" in general... [grin].

I let Candi have the camera and she decided to "pose me"... this was what she wanted!

What can I say?

She obviously wants to show my best side... ;)

A self-portrait by the young photographer...

Bat-boy/Robin Hood!

Marcos is demonstrating what all the boys have been fascinated with lately... bows and arrows! And I have to admit that it's been fun to watch all of them finding different sticks, bamboo, etc. that will work for the best bow and arrow ever, man. :)

Aaron & Diego in front of their new home!
[I was informed that the next picnic/hangout time should be held in this place!]

*Please notice the "stone-lined" path leading up to their front door! Cute, very cute.*

And this... is why Candi will be a tomboy!

She's got to keep up with those brothers, ya know? ;)

Diego perched on his new lookout place...

...which every house requires, of course!

It was a nice day... and I'm grateful for times like these; they help us with our "shared experiences" and story-telling! ;)

It's warmed up again and we're back to school! Please continue to pray for the kids, teachers, and mentors as we continue balancing education with spiritual, physical, and mental needs of our children. Thanks!