Playing outside

Yesterday afternoon the sun was shining and it was 50 degrees outside. The backyard was calling to us. We get such iron gray clouds and thick white fogs during the winter here. Sunshine becomes a rare treat. Must! Go! Outside! When Amber woke up from her nap, Rose and I took her outside to play.

First we went to the trampoline and jumped for a while. Amber wasn't so sure about that unsteady surface, but she eventually started trying to bounce on her knees. Rose was practically exploding with joy and it was shining out of her face. I love it when she projects such strong positive emotions.

Bee-bo!

After a while on the tramp, we got down and went out into the grass. It was the first time Amber has been able to wander wild and free outside since she learned to walk, and she had a blast! Watching the wonder and excitement of a one year old exploring outside on her own two feet is FUN. Amber could hardly believe that I was letting her go, and she took advantage of her freedom. I followed her around as she took in the sights all over the soccer field behind our house. Her little legs must have walked at least a quarter of a mile! After a while she got tired and I carried her back to the house.

Meanwhile, Rose dashed and frolicked about while I went between her and Amber, snapping too many cute pictures.

Pretty soon, Jay came walking home from school and joined our party. We played a funny slightly pointless game of hide and seek in the flat, open soccer field. We followed Amber on her adventures. Jay and Rose wrestled. We played guess the animal. I kept the camera clicking. It was one of those beautiful hours where time stands still and I basked in the golden sunshine, marveling at my beautiful happy kids. When we came inside nearly an hour and a half later, I felt rejuvenated, lighthearted, and carefree. I love that feeling--I get it every time I play outside with my kids!

When Jay gets home from school, we like to do a big energetic welcome. He had his enthusiastic face on while he dashed across the field to us, hamming it up. Has there ever been a cuter freckled 6 year old boy?

Back to the trampoline...

Blue skies and sunshine! Thanks for the brief respite, January. We lived it up.