Right in our Own Backyard

Jack,

As I’m sure you’ll become aware over the years, our backyard isn’t exactly “child friendly”.

Your Grandma Mary (my mom) has worried about this on several occasions and even suggested we put a fence up around the top of our retaining wall, but the idea was quickly shot down since it would look ridiculous.

It’s true. We have a five foot retaining wall that could be considered a “safety concern” as there is the risk of “falling-and-breaking-your-neck” or “getting-a-serious-concussion”. But – like I said before…. It’s pretty!

Also, there isn’t a lot of room for “running around” and “playing”, but our yard does offer one thing that makes it all worthwhile in your eyes. A stagnant pool of smelly, murky brown water that is perfect for throwing rocks in!

Sure, if you were to imbibe this water, it would probably set you back with a full scale case of German Measles and Febrile convulsions – but it sure is COOL the way it SPLASHES when the rocks hit it, isn’t it?

Oh, and I also HIGHLY recommend reaching your hand into that mosquito larvae infestation of a pond and swirling them around in the freezing water until your hand turns red and you can’t feel it anymore. It’s TOTALLY FUN!

Actually, I have been supporting your enjoyment of this activity by foraging for additional rocks outside of our minute rock bed around the “pond” itself. I just love to see you get so much enjoyment out of the splash that comes from dropping a rock in the water. Also, when you find a big rock, you hold it up first for my inspection and utter this “Oooooohhhhhhh” sound as though you can’t believe your luck.

Check this out, Mommy! Won’t this make a big splash?

Honestly, I think if I got it in my head that you would really LOVE to swim in a tub of instant pudding, I’d be dumping the required amounts of the instant packets into the tub as we speak and loading up the trunk with gallons of milk.

Actually – that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Mmmmmm……pudding…..

Love,

Mommy