Predictably, we’ve settled into our groove around here. It didn’t take long to move past all of the drama of the adjustment period. When it all came down to it, my boys needed some serious down time — as in, several weeks of barely leaving the house: no plans, play dates, or scheduled activities — no camps or classes or parties. I let fly the fear of hurting people’s feelings by saying no to birthday parties and get-togethers over and over again, and hoped that my explanations came across as genuine and sincere. The truth is, I had to put them first. And saying no was exactly what they needed.
And then, just like that, they were ready again. After weeks of reading, snuggling, fort-building, backyard playing, trampoline jumping, chess games, Lego-building, drawing, running around in nothing but underwear, sorting Pokemón cards, taking nature walks, and listening to audio books from the library, they were ready to rejoin society!
We celebrated by having some old friends over for a long play date that began at our house, migrated to the playground, then ended back at our house with snacks and trampoline jumping in swimsuits and lounging around in the sun adorned with crowns, necklaces, and rings made from strings of flowers and vines and leaves. It was fantastic. 
After they left, Oliver sewed a little pillow out of the fabric square his friend had drawn for him — he took it upstairs and placed it under the head of his beloved little stuffed hedgehog. He melts me with his tender heart! He shows such nurturing tendencies it’s shocking to see how brutal he can be with his brothers when he’s angry… he’s a child of strong emotions, that’s for sure! 
It’s shaping up to be a wonderful summer.
I’m so envious of your self imposed time at home, that’s just what I need (though not sure anyone else in my family agrees! 🙂 ) That hanging succulent thingy on your porch looks beautiful. I want one!
Lilly, it’s actually seed pods from a tree that we wove in! It looked brown two days later. 🙁