Through their eyes

If life is feeling stressful and you need a great reprieve, go spend some quality time with a kid or two. Trust me, it will change you.

A few months ago, my older sister Audrey promised Hannah and Heidi that I could bring them up to TN to live with her and Luke for a week or so, while mom and dad were in Peru. They were excited beyond words, and proceeded to pack up all their favorite toys and books... three weeks in advance. ;) So this past week, we packed up the clothes and toothbrushes and finally went.

At Luke and Audrey's place I shared a room with Hannah and Heidi. Consequently, nearly every morning I would open my eyes to see two sets of eyes staring back at me, just waiting for me to hurry and wake up. Then it was a mad scramble back under the covers as two little girls dove onto the bed. Oh how I love cuddle time. :)

Our week consisted of many adventures, big and small. The first day we went to the Imagination Station (an awesome playground)...

Picked up some books at the library...

Fed geese at the SAU duck pond...

Then we went grocery shopping, played games, read books... and I think that was all the major adventures for that day. :)

On Thursday we took a trip into downtown Chatt. Our first stop was for supper, and the girls could hardly wait. I had told them all about this restaurant, as it is one of my favorites, and they were so excited to finally get to eat there. It was, of course, the Yellow Deli! :)

After a yummy supper, we drove to the bridge, parked nearby, and walked along the river. Starting at the glass bridge, we made our way down "Lombard street"...

Under the bridge, along the river, across the road, and to the water stairs.

The day was made complete with a ride on the Coolidge park carousel, and ice cream at Clumpies. :)

On Friday the girls went horseback riding with Luke and Audrey. They returned with oh so much to share, and hardly enough breath tell it all. :) The rest of the weekend was fairly relaxed, with lots of games, yummy food, and chill time.

Thinking back on the week, it's funny the things that stand out in my mind - cuddling in the mornings, racing for the shower, doing Hannah's hair up in a bun, brushing Heidi's hair out long and straight, playing mad games of Dutch Blitz, making snow cones, going grocery shopping, picking honeysuckles, checking on the resident baby birds, "cracking" the door after tucking the girls in bed at night... and of course there's more.

But I think what strikes me is the joy and simplicity in it all. When you're with a child, you see things differently. Everything's new and exciting, and you can't help but be swept up in their enthusiasm for life. It's a joy that is contagious... and it's definitely worth getting.

So go spend some time with a kid - feed a goose, read a book, play a game, eat a snow cone...

You'll never regret it. :)

- Shannon