Summer time and lightning bugs!

Boy, it's HOT out there! I still cannot believe the temperatures we have had this summer so far. It makes it hard to get out and enjoy being outside! One good thing I have found is that it usually cools off a little just at dusk. At least it is more tolerable than the heat of the day! We have had some pretty skies lately, too.

That is when the "lightning bugs" come out!! I don't know what their proper name is, I am sure there is some technical term. Some people call them "fireflies." Whatever they are called, this is about the only bug I have been happy to see this summer.

The last few weeks, with the boys out of school for the summer it has been tough at times to keep them entertained. We have come up with a new tradition this summer! The nights we are at home after dinner we go out and catch lightning bugs. I have to say that they have gotten quite good at it, too! At first Christian didn't really know that catching a bug was going to be something he would be interested in. Let me just say that bugs are NOT his favorite creation....

However, after seeing his big brother catch them with such ease and excitement, and watching them light up in the mason jar my husband fixed for them, his mind was quickly changed.

Now, I can tell you that little boy is a pro! Some nights we have to call it quits because there won't be any left for the rest of the neighborhood! There are even nights when he comes running up to me with 3 or 4 in his hand. How does he do that??

Also, can you hold on to 3 or 4 lighting bugs in your little 6 year old hand without smothering or crushing them?...... Apparently so! I learn something new every day.

Cameron, on the other hand, is much more gentle with them. He is methodical. He will bring me 1 bug, making sure it is cared for before heading off to catch another.

Isn't it amazing sometimes how the smallest, simplest things will entertain them endlessly.

Gotta love it.