Of carefree treks and sunny days

I've intended to post I don't know how many times recently, but time has gotten away from me. With all this wonderful autumn weather we're having, it's hard to stay indoors, don't you think?

We've made daily treks to the park, gone to the zoo, spent an afternoon riding the kiddie train, attended a few reading hours, and gone to MOPS. And when we are home, more often than not, the boys are either in our backyard or at the next door neighbor's. Now, having my children playing in some else's backyard (without me there!) is a real branch out for me. I can still see them from my kitchen window, but I can't hear their every word. :) Not sure how I feel about it yet, but I digress.

I was thinking today about how thankful I am for these preschool years with my boys. In a few short years our carefree schedule will give way to learning and studying. And as necessary as academics are, these uninterrupted days of play and exploration are so much sweeter. At least this momma's heart assumes so.

Ethan is not so sure, I think.



Ethan said to me today, "Mom, I can't read the words to this book!"

"That's why you are learning your letters, so that someday you can read the words in your book," I said.

"Ooooooooohhh," he said, mulling it over. And then he just poured over the words, like he could force himself to learn them.

It is coming. I know it is. He has such a drive to learn. But I want to hang onto these carefree days. Is that so wrong? :)



Today after nap time, I was cuddling Si on my lap. "I love you so much!" I said to him.
"I know," he said.

It was as clear as day.



Last night Dave said to Ethan, "Why don't you come help me take out the trash for your mom?"

"No thanks, Dad," said Ethan, stretching. "I think I'll just relax here on the couch for awhile."

We got a good laugh out of that one. Oh, and then of course Dave made him get off the couch. They do need to learn some responsiblity, if not advanced calculus yet.




We've obviously been enjoying our new camera. The boys are only young once. I want to remember what a day at the park was like when they were 3 and 1. In my free time in the evenings I've been pouring over these photography lessons that April told me about.

I have so much to learn!





Hope this finds you rejoicing in your family today. The boys and I read this verse this morning:

"So we, Your people and sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever, we will show forth Your praise to all generations." Psalm 79:13