End-of-school blur

This past week has been such a blur. School ended, we caught up on doctor's appointments, the boys headed to the beach with Tom's parents (amazing; we had two nights just to ourselves and went to fabulous dinners on both), I got six hours of gardening in yesterday, and today we joined everyone in NC. This view never gets old.

I don't know if ever summer break has felt so welcome. It's lovely that we're all on the same page about that. The boys are loving every minute with their cousins, and we are grateful.

Tonight I can offer little beyond visual treats. Good enough!

One of the dahlias I started from bulb this year. Gorgeous! I love the parcel of petals you can see in the bottom bloom. 

One of the dahlias I started from bulb this year. Gorgeous! I love the parcel of petals you can see in the bottom bloom. 

Jack got a very cool chemistry set as an early birthday present.

Jack got a very cool chemistry set as an early birthday present.

Ol and I went out to lunch on his last day of school. He loves to make origami cranes.

Ol and I went out to lunch on his last day of school. He loves to make origami cranes.

I can never resist making an example sheet of all available crayons. 

I can never resist making an example sheet of all available crayons.