Extra Day

“It feels like it must be the middle of summer”, I just said to Chad.  I quickly scan my brain, what is the date? I laugh at myself when I realize it’s still May.  How is that possible?

I will admit, I’m as bad as school children (or teachers) when it comes to three day weekends.  I count the  hours, minutes, and seconds until we get to grab onto that extra day of togetherness.  I went into the weekend with a list of things that I wanted to get done.  Extra day equals extra productivity, right?  Turns out. . . not so much. 

There is something almost magical about that extra day.  We seem to settle in a little bit more.  Rushing from here to there is put aside while we slow down and cozy into the moments that are right before us.  I bid my farewell to the weekend feeling full and knowing that we squeezed every last bit of enjoyment out of each of our three days.

There were no big trips or extravagant parties for us.  Our calender was pleasantly clear and we soaked up every second of it.  Instead of going and doing we stuck close to home and rediscovered what what I’ve always loved about our home. . . our backyard. 

One of the perks of being married to an exceptional landscaper is being surrounded by beautiful space.  This weekend we barely removed ourselves from our lush green space that is peppered by beautiful blooms in every direction.  The kids spent nearly the entire weekend in bathing suits while they braved the freezing hose water in order to escape the 90 degree temperatures. 

Smiles and laughter were as abundant as darkening tan lines and I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend the weekend.  Despite the extremely hot temperatures, Charlie and Chanelle were adamant that going inside for anything was unnecessary.  Who am I to argue? 

Chad and Charlie worked hard to roast dinner by the fire and we covered the grass with a blanket and prepared for a picnic dinner.  There was something so relaxing about all of this.  I don’t know if it is because Meadow is, slowly but surely, beginning to calm down and be more content or simply because we had no agenda.  Either way, the only way I can describe it is a perfect evening.

We introduced Meadow to the sippy cup this weekend.

Meadow had another big introduction this weekend. . .

Bubbles. . . She had that half squeal half scream kind of laugh whenever we blew them toward her.  I think I’m going to have to stock up.  Bubbles weren’t her only “first” this weekend.  We found out our littlest is quite fond of watermelon. . .

I look at her and am struck by how quickly this is all going.  My baby is now eating watermelon?  What’s next?! 

Charlie and Chanelle had an idea.  Since we have a fire how about we get some marshmallows?

Yes, that is my six and four year with matches. . . What can I say, I was keeping my eye on Meadow.

The fire burned as slowly as the setting sun in the distance.  I watched as my little ones excitedly burned, roasted, and toasted their giant marshmallows. 

What began as a slow and deliberate process quickly transitioned into a game of who will be the stickiest at the end of the night. 

Even Meadow got into the game. . . in fact. . . she won.

That’s it. . . us and our backyard and a whole lot of happiness.

It really doesn’t take much.  I leave this weekend with none of the tasks I’d hoped to complete, completed.  Surprisingly, I’m quite okay.  I take from this weekend so much more. 

I take away memories.

Thank you, Extra Day. . .

Happy Tuesday!!