First Day of School. But Not For Us.

Most of our friends are starting school today.  I'm reading through Facebook posts full of emotional moms who have shared cute pictures of their pigtailed darlings, holding signs announcing their new grade level. 

And although I know God's grace will be sufficient when that scary day comes, I am mostly just so darn glad it's not me today. 

We started the day in the triple stroller with a 3.4 mile walk, admiring the ducks along the creek, the fire trucks, and the garbage truck turning into people's alleys.  Elliot kept remarking on the "terrible smell" from the garbage truck.  Lucy enjoyed commanding the cars to Stop! as they approached stop signs and we crossed in front of them.  Oliver kicked his feet lazily in the air, somehow fully reclined in his upright seat.   

If these days really pass as quickly as everyone tells me, I'm glad I'm still in them. Even though the why-questions sometimes drive me bananas, and the screaming tantrums over insignificant things make me wish for a sound-proof, padded "play room"with a lock.  Today has been nice.  And I'm glad they're all still home with me. 

But to everyone who is past these years, whose kids are sitting in new classrooms today, nervous about friends and homework and all the year's unknowns--I hope your kids have a wonderful first day.  And if you are emotional, I hope it's in the presence of good friends who know just what you're going through and have tissues to share. 

Arboretum with Munchkins

We were so lucky to have such cool weather this spring. 



We made it to the Arboretum a couple of times--once to scope out the lighting situation for a noon portrait session. 



This was that trip.  Can I tell you--the only thing harder than pushing this stroller is helping two little munchkins (who are supposed to be in it) push it. 



They want to help so badly sometimes.  Someday I think they actually really will be helpful, but today is not that day. 



Still, it's fun to see their sense of accomplishment when they judge that they've been exceptionally helpful. 



This little water part was a nice surprise.  Just enough water to get their feet wet. 


Or soak them, if they lose their balance and sit down.
 

Taking pictures of these three is ridiculous.  When I try to get a pose like this, you can blink and miss the whole thing--it's over that fast. 



"Lucy!  Put your arm around Oliver!  No--not his neck, his shoulder!  Oliver!!  Oliverrrrr!! Look at me!  A-B-C-D-E-F-G!  Whooo-whooo!!!!" 
 

Ok good enough.