Lunchtime In The Park

"Think left and think right and think low and think high.
Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss

   The park is a place of wonder to me. Always has been. I spent many a year fighting pirates, armies of the bad, my own brothers, and so on. I've driven in fast cars, rolled over the world in a monster truck, and visited far off places in my own time machine. The slides, ladders, poles, ropes, and such of the park were always my own jungle gym, obstacle course, or world beyond wonder. Now it's time to pass it on. 

   I was able to spend today's lunchtime with my 'Lil Man. We headed over just as I finished my morning's work, and he finished a round of Phineas and Ferb. We headed out and spent our lunchtime doing all of paragraph one. Well, most of it. We both made new friends, got some exercise, hydrated, rinsed and repeated. It's been getting to be nice weather locally, so the shade was the best place for The Cheeky Daddy, and my 'Lil Man was ALL over the place. He was trying new things, going to new heights, and getting a little sun on his cheeks. 

   The end of the day showed how it wore on him. He was tuckered out at dinner and didn't go to bed without a fight. It was worth seeing him play, imagine, socialize, and just be a kid. The imagination is limitless with those little people and we need to encourage that. We need to find the time, or make the time when needed. The Wife has told me how hard it is to pull that off with our 6MO, and there's NO doubt it's tough. When we can, though, it pays off big time. See you at the park!

J. 

Evenings In The Front Yard With My Kids

“...dusk is the time when men whisper of matters about which
they remain silent in the full light of the sun.” ― Simon Raven

   There's something about the fading light of the day that captivates me. I get locked into sunsets for their changing color. I love the hues that the waining light casts on my neighborhood. I enjoy the lights that flicker on my 'Lil Miss's scooter as she rides by. Until the last of the light has gone, and it is simply too dark for the children to be safe, I hang on to each ray until the end. 

   Sure, I'm a sucker for it. Blame it on the art degree. Or blame it on the fact that it's just that gorgeous. I feel more inspired at that time, more thoughtful and contemplative. Include a short walk in that, and were talking about idea time. My children play until the street lights turn on. A lot of us did that growing up with little to no supervision. Though we approach things a bit differently these days, I feel grateful that I get to hear my children yell, "Awe, dad!!! The street light's not on yet!" 

   I'm happy they're getting exercise, playing with neighborhood kids, learning to ride bikes and scooters. Don't get me wrong, they can fling an angry bird just as good as the next kid. We have, however, tried to find the balance. If I can find some peace in that fading light as well,...then bonus. 

J.