Thoughts & Moments

I thoroughly love days where I'm able to enjoy being a mom instead of stressing over it. I fully expected it to be a Stress Mom day. I had planned an "outting" with the girls in the morning and new Tyler would be missing her morning nap so there was no telling how the day was going to fare. The girls and I got up quite happily at 7 am milk and hot chocolate were passed out and I traded in my shower for a clean bathroom, apparently I was feeling ambitious. We got dressed and were only a scant 5 minutes late as we pulled out of the driveway. We picked up our sweet friend Leslie and her sister Lexi and son Tanner and we headed to Tacoma to The Children's Museum.
It's not a big place but the kids loved it and had a good time. We were only there for a lil over an hour but it was perfect and since the sun was out we decided to stop by a fountain and have snacks. We pry should've responded to Leslie's apprehension, as we were wrapping things up Lexi decided to go swimming. I think it was all by accident but Leslie and I turned to look at her just as she went head first into the water. At 50 degrees it wasn't nearly warm enough but Leslie who should be a boyscout quickly pulled Lexi out (who is only 22 lbs dry) stripped her down and then surprised me with a whole new outfit. She wasn't kidding when she said she believed in being prepared.
Tyler did fall asleep on the home for about 20 minute, but after a quick lunch and McKenna's begging for a story and nap, so Tyler was back down pry only 45 minutes later. Sweet, sweet Tyler sat and played in the Pack'n Play for 45 minutes before falling asleep never uttering a word of complaint. I was even able to get a good hr nap and some good reading in until 4 pm when the girls woke up.
We proceeded outdoors since the sun was still out and I almost can't put into words how enjoyable it was to be "hanging out" with my girls. Tyler crawling through the grass even surprised me by standing up in the middle of the yard as she tried to find McKenna and I (who had found a caterpillar and were checking him out) and then took 2 steps before sitting back down. It was monumental to say the least.
The evening has continued on in the same rhythm. John took McKenna to mutual with him, and so I was able to spend some time with just Tyler. She's such a joyful child, and rambunctious. I turned my back on her twice and when I turned around the first time she had her hands caked in Moisturizing cream (finding an open container helped). She laughs at almost anything and loves to give kisses.
I think we as parents are blessed with days like this to remind us that this really is the plan of happiness and life isn't just to be lived but to be enjoyed. I don't have any pictures to document the day but the memories will hopefully last forever...or at least a month or 2.