through Will's eyes

Nothing makes this kid more happy than a little nature exploration. He's always excited to get outside, and see what he can find. Is he ever disappointed that he didn't catch a lizard or some other random animal that probably isn't even native to North America? Sure. But does that stop him from wanting to go again? Never.

This picture was taken a few weeks ago by Scott on one of their many adventures. This afternoon, after a good house cleaning and nap for Eli, we headed to the Nature Center. And blast! I forgot my camera. Oh I wished I had it so many times, this little four year old of mine is always teaching me new things and I wished you could have seen him. Picture this: Will, 3 feet 4 inches, preschool backpack strapped to his back (with snacks and for putting fall leaves in), empty ice cream bucket in hand (for all his findings), spider man light-up shoes, and Hanes, plain white t-shirt, (because he refused to wear the cute button down I had on him for preschool) covered in dirt of some sort. Then picture him with a big grin (see image above) trekking through the trails at the nature center. It was a magical moment for both of us.

We were the only ones there. It was quiet, peaceful, lots of birds and chipmunks. The leaves were all starting to change, and we just walked and talked and pretended to be pirates on the wooden bridge and then pretended that we had to tiptoe to not scare anything and then we walked on the wooden beams that line the trail so we could practice our balancing. As Will said "I'm pretty good balancing, huh mom!? It's because I did this once at preschool."

But, like everything else, things must end. And this particular excursion had to end because I had a very large 11 month old and my giant diaper bag all in my arms. The trails at the nature center are not stroller friendly (and I forgot the baby sling). So, I won't give you all the details but I'm sure you can picture me with a squirming Eli.... my arms were like jello by the time we were done. He needs to learn to walk, soon.

Will has been cracking me up lately. He says the funniest things. He gets mad when I laugh and I try to explain that I'm laughing because I think he's cute and I love it. He doesn't agree, he gets too shy. Here's a few of the latest that make me laugh:

-Tonight for prayers the only thing he said was "Please bless that Daddy won't work so much, because I don't want him too, just Wed. Saturday and Monday." *I agree.* :)

-Also in prayers "Please bless that my silly bands won't itch so much!" and "please bless that Mom wont' get mad at me anymore, and that Eli will stop screaming." (This was after a particularly rough morning, and because Eli's new favorite thing is screaming, not mad screaming, just screaming.)

-"Dad! I can't talk because I'm chewing gum and I can't talk and chew at the same time" ..... it was a fresh piece of gum, I know how he feels.

-Leaving a message for Scott "This message is for Daddy, from Will. I love you Daddy, love Will, love Daddy. Daddy." He honestly said that on Scott's answering machine, just like that. It was so funny.

Life is good. My kids are so fun and I am so lucky to have such sweet boys. They are tender, and forgiving of my short-comings. They are fun and love to laugh. They are loving and love to be loved and held and cuddled. I love watching them learn and I love being a part of their life. I just hope they will always know and remember how much we love them.