Girls Night

The weather has been nothing short of perfect this summer. Today was no exception: hot, but just the right amount of humidity, and the slightest hint of a breeze. Brent and I had planned to go to the Redhawks game together tonight, but long story short, I ended up spending some quality time with our peanut while he went with his man crush friend. (We love you, Charlie.) As much as I would have loved to snuggle under the sky with my hubs, tonight ended up being an enjoyable and memorable night for just us girls.

After I got home from work, Haley and I had a little snack of cereal before snuggling on the sofa to read a book. We tried skyping with my family, but no one seemed to be available. After having tickle wars, a dance-off, and a game of tag around the living room, (and after some dinner so mommy could catch her breath) she asked if we could go for a walk.

It's no secret I have the cutest daughter in the universe. I'm not being biased either, just stating the facts. On tonight's walk, she was earning that passage for sure.

"Mommy! A baby bird!"
"Oh he is tiny, isn't he? But he's just a little bird, not really a baby bird."
"Excuse me bird! I have a question!"
"You have a question for the bird?"
"Yeah. Excuse me bird! I have a question!"
"What's your question for the bird?"
"Ummmm....we go driving in the van."
"Oh. That's your question?"
"Oh no! He fly away, mommy! In the sky!"

Seriously. So cute.

"Can we cross the street?"
"We have to look both way for cars, remember? Do you see any cars coming?"
"Yeah."
"Where?"
"There are no cars, mommy."
"Well then why did you....okay. Let's cross the street."
"Okay! Yay! Let's be careful!"

We meandered back to the house where we sat outside in the shade and played with rocks for a little bit, until I eyed some mosquitoes looking for their dinner. We came inside, changed her in to her pj's, read more books, sang some songs, gave hugs and kisses, and said bedtime prayers.

"Mommy?"
"Yes, baby?"
"I need to listen."
"That's right. We asked Jesus to help you be a good listener, didn't we?"
"Yah, and I LISTEN!"

If she doesn't just melt this mommy's heart...

Outdoorsy

The summers in Fargo make the winters here almost worth it. The temperatures are warm and cozy - like a comfortable hug from a lifelong friend. The sun, the breeze, and the shade mostly work together to form an ambiance of pure pleasantry. The inside of my home is somewhat neglected, as I relish to spend every available moment outside. My camp chair has conformed itself to the curves of my duff, and we sit together to enjoy the day's beauty and contentment.

The breeze is my favorite summertime friend. It blows just enough to keep the flying critters away (read: man-eating dragonflies and other terrorizing winged insects), and just enough to keep the heat in check. If I had the leisure to sit outside in the summer all day every day, it would be an opportunity I would certainly take advantage of. Watching a rainstorm from the shelter of the garage would be no hindrance.

Haley, now a very active toddler, loves to play outside with sticks, rocks, and most affectionately with the dirt. She and I marvel at the birds, dance away from bugs, and together sit and wonder about the clouds as they pass overhead. "Blue and white, mommy! The sky blue and white!" I think the clouds are just as happy to be floating above us as we are to watch them. My little nature loving toddler is a girl after my own heart.

There are no mountains, and there are no pristine blue bodies of water nearby, but the atmosphere of the outdoors is appreciated regardless. Freedom to run, jump, roll, or simply sit. I'll take it. No boundaries at all - just acres and acres of outdoors.

As the leaves rustle and applaud for how happy they are to have our company, I sometimes just close my eyes and say quick little prayers of thanks. Thanks for His creation, and taking time to plan out the smallest of details. Thanks for all the senses to be able to enjoy it. And thanks for the opportunity to experience it, even if only for a season.