This morning couldn’t have turned out much more beautifully ☀️
Brady was scheduled to go help with some yard work at my moms house today, and he was debating between going during naps, or this morning. I decided for him (whoops) that he should go this morning, so he and I could lounge a bit together during naps. I told him I’d take the kids for a walk while he was gone, and it would help pass the time a bit better.
Thus began the walk that lasted basically all morning!
We all left at the same time, Brady in his van and me and the kids on foot, with Wavy in the stroller. We weren’t even one block down before I considered turning back. A couple of the kids were cold, and were losing their minds over it! I had two sweaters in the bottom of the stroller, and two obviously cold kids. One kid was happily pacified with a sweater, and the other was not at all content with theirs. I could not convince that kid into the sweater, yet the weeping and wailing was out in full force. I decided that the crying would settle out eventually, and I’d push through on the walk.
Turns out, I was right. The crying ceased. Aforementioned kid warmed up with the walking. Everyone enjoyed the exercise and together time. And I’ll admit. I got a little ahead of myself. I took them waaaaay too far.
We walked to the mail, and then past the church. That’s about as far across town from us as you can get. But we’ve done that walk before. No big deal. But I took it one step further and decided we’d go down the street to my moms house to say hi to Brady and my mom.
Hear me. This makes for a LONG walk. But, the sun was out and we had no deadlines, so I figured we could swing it.
It was nice to break it up and see Brady for a minute 🙂
But we didn’t stay long! I knew eventually the sun and wind would wipe everyone out, and even going straight home from there is a long stretch. So we began our mosey home.
We had made it maybe one block back when Solly started to say he was tired. Now, he has EVERY right to be tired after such a long walk! He usually tuckers out by the end of our walks, but usually its a lot closer to home. And I was on my own. There is no way I could put him on my back and push the stroller at the same time. Laela diligently took his hand and encouraged him to keep going.
We walked and walked and walked. Slower and slower. Solly was started to trip over his feet, and we were maaaybe halfway home 😬 Not ideal.
We stopped at one point along the way to regroup, and ended up chatting with a couple from our church who were out on their deck. It is just SO good to see people we haven’t seen in such a long time 💜 We had a good chat and a bit of a rest, and when it was time to move on, we were offered freezies!!! That was exactly what our group needed! What a thoughtful gift!
Everyone got a freezie (Wavy and I shared) and the boost in energy was evident in everyone. Solly would lag a little, and then run to catch up. Everyone was silly again and spirits were up. It was SO nice!
About a block or so from home, we ended up chatting with more friends from up on their doorway, too. Its so good for my heart to see our friends. Man. What a strange time of life.
The sugar crash was beginning as Brady drove by on his way home. He laughed at us, still out walking. Laela began to run, and she managed to beat him home 🙂 Rowan wasn’t far behind. The others stayed with me while l wrapped up our conversation, and we headed home. Solly could barely lift his feet by the time we got home 😆
When I got into the house, all of the kids were tucked into blankets on the couch, with books and water bottles. It was so cozy and well deserved. They were CHAMPS!!!
Once everyone was back home and settled, lunch wasn’t far away. Pb&j makes everyone happy, and nap time is going to be the cherry on top of a pretty excellent morning!
🍒