How We Roll

Lately, our lives have been a lot like this (but more snowy than rainy):

The Cat In The Hat by Dr. Seuss

Although spring officially sprung a while ago, we still get flurries that accumulate on top of our mud and melting snow.  Overall, it's still a fairly wintery world out there in Vermont, although the temperatures are rising.  It's been warm enough to bring our kids outside, but there's nowhere to bring them!  Anywhere that is plowed is a parking lot or other potential hazard.  Anywhere that isn't knee-deep in snow is ankle-deep in mud.  But the sun is smiling its yellowy goodness down upon us and the kids are practically begging for fresh air.  Isn't there a middle (dry) ground?

Actually, there is.  You all have one, too.  It's called a tennis court and it's probably dry as a bone right now, even if you have to trudge through a bog to reach it.  And the only lucky part of this whole never-ending winter is that no one yet feels like putting on their tennis whites, so there are no nets.  A dry, clean, expansive play pen, perfect for letting children run amok and dust off their tricycles.  They would have to actually try to hurt themselves, it's so simple and safe.

Of course, Jax only wanted to play with the ride-on toy I brought for his sister; that's always the way.

We met three friends and their five kids at the tennis court/playground (the playground was remarkably dry thanks to a few nearly 50 degree days) and we let them have at it.  They were so happy to be unleashed!  They were able to just go and get away from us but we didn't have to worry about them getting hit by a car or abducted by strangers.  Not a care in the world, other than the occasional fight over a trike or a runny nose to wipe.

I'll admit when we first got there it was cold--much closer to thirty degrees than fifty.  I didn't blame Em for staying snug in her carseat until the sun had a chance to do its business.

But the older kids didn't mind in the least.  What's a little frostbite or windburn in the name of fun?

They built trains.

They tried out each others' vehicles and helmets.

They made us proud.

That's a proud mama right there.

They were big helps.

They woke up and decided to join the party.

And just when things got a little boring, we switched it up and headed to the playground.  A new burst of energy and more fun at their fingertips. 

  

It was just fun.

This is how we roll--making the most of every sunny day because we don't know when we'll have another day like this again (note: this was 3 days ago and we haven't played outside again since). 

And since my friends are all on baby number two as well (in the belly or out), it is great to watch the older kids play together without us.  Ah, independence.  It can be so frustrating when we've been locked inside for what feels like months, but give them some room and I love to watch them grow.

And they do grow up fast. 

We'll just keep rolling with it, soaking up the sunshine and spending time with friends, watching the babies grow.  Making the most of what is a pretty great situation.