Thursday, March 18, 2010

The Battle of Porter Park...



(There were more, I just couldn't fit them all in discreetly...the brigade was always on the look out.)

Our first official park day of the year.

Our weather is changing ever so slowly, but changing nonetheless.  We've been cooped up way too long and it's funny, but I had forgotten that we could leave the house/yard to play outside, like at parks (duh).  Armed with snacks, camera, and coats we ventured the six miles to the nearest park. 

Annie hit the swings first, Lincoln hit the puddles (we're not surprised).  I could see a real change in the kids, rediscovering the joy of outdoor play, fresh air, endless expanse of grass.  I inhaled a little deeper myself (funny, that sounds like a reference to pot, or something, but you know me better than that). 

And then... 

here comes the stroller brigade!  No doubt, it seemed like a gazillion strollers coming straight for us.  I felt cramped just watching them make their way across the grass, like I should find another park, or something.  They park it.  Out pour 20 kids (probably an exaggeration) and every one starts to cry.  It's an Infant/toddler attack.  Some fall down, some can't climb up and want to, some hit their heads...it's all so sad and comical at the same time.  We were once so peaceful, now we're under attack! 

I held my breath because this seemed like a classic moment for Lincoln to turn into a bully, you know, finally the bigger kid.  I could just see in my mind all the mama-bear syndromes pouring out of those single-child mothers, and all fingers pointing at Lincoln.  They're following their baby's every step, hands ready to catch and soothe.  I remember being like that.  It's funny how we mellow.  Thankfully, only peaceful energy emanated from my little ones.  No bullying the stroller brigade.

It felt so good to be outside today.  I could almost touch those summertime memories shoved way back in my brain because it was too painful to recall something I couldn't have.  Come on, little Idaho, warm up...you can do it.

5 comments:

Honey said...

Those strollers are hilarious! I'm sure it was very entertaining to watch those moms :) oh, the days of one or two kids...what was that like again??

Janie said...

You are so funny. Annie looks adorable! You can't even tell the haircut thing when you do her hair like that. I'm glad you got out. We have been having wonderful weather her so my fruit trees are blooming and then we will get a nice freeze and ruin the fruit!! I hope it keeps getting nice for you.

Brya said...

SO funny! I feel like I'm on both sides of that story. I sure that's what people feel like when I bring my small herd out by myself, and I'm always worried because my kids don't have a gentle bone in their bodies but they love other kids. I'm glad you got out.

Alan Daniels Family said...

I'll be singing the same song about wishing I could go outside in a few months. Summers are tough. I'm sure you know how that goes. Your kids sure are cute. I think your daughter looks just like you! :)

Lefty said...

Lanette, I am so thrilled to be reading your blog. You are a terrific writer and so very funny, too.

Your children are darling.

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