“But when the hot days come, I think they might remember that those are the dog days, and leave a little water outside in a trough, like they do for the horses.”  – Explanation by the main character, a street dog, from the short story “The Bar Sinister” by Richard Harding Davis
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Harding_Davis>

Keep some water outside for the kids too!

Sprinklers and water balloons are irresistible to kids and grownups alike.

Enjoy the dog days of summer with these other simple ideas:

Keep the play outside by taking the easel out and let your little Picasso get messy.

Or stay squeaky clean by just painting with water right on a brick wall or driveway!

Try sidewalk chalk--on the pavement, the fence, the deck--great fun and washes away with the hose (more water fun!)

Kyle and our neighbor, Jamie, testing the "road"

First, draw with chalk...

Then brush on a little water - Kinda' like watercolors!

How about a quick game of tic tac toe?

And when you’re all “dog tired” of the heat, head to the supermarket for a popsicle!  My kids and I enjoyed getting out of the heat by shopping in the
freezer aisle at the grocery store.  Brrr!  Sounds of giggles and wiggles prompted my usual, “Keep your hands to yourselves, guys!”

As I was having second thoughts about this heat-beating foray, I turned around to see them dancing cheek to cheek “to keep each other warm, Mom!”  That night at bedtime, my son said, “I know you can’t marry your sister, but I don’t see why not.  Why can’t you marry your sister, Mom?”  That was one for the journal.

Mackenzie and Kyle "Dogging Around" during the Dog Days of Summer

Here’s to “dogging around” and enjoying summer fun and family!

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