Therapeutic Thursday

What a gorgeous, beautiful morning! And I got to spend it with two of the three most wonderful human beings in my life. (Cameron and Olivia, for those of you who are unsure). Today, I left the camera home and just enjoyed the day. I decided to have one day a week where I don't take any photos, so my blog post has to paint the photos for you.

After my darling husband left for work this morning, Cameron, Olivia and I went for a walk downtown. I had a few errands to run, and in an effort to be green and keep our bodies active, I decided we would walk. How easy it would have been to load us all in the car and finish my errands in 10 minutes, but how wonderful it was instead to spend 2 1/2 hours enjoying the fresh air and sunshine with my kiddos.

I put Olivia in the Deuter II, our frame backpack, that I have come to love as Olivia has been a little too squirmy for the sling. While Cameron would have hopped into the stroller if I had offered, I didn't, so we just headed out walking. Our first stop was Mia's house to see if she was home. Cameron has missed her terribly. I mean, come on! We haven't seen her since Monday! We knocked, but nobody answered. Either they were sleeping or out enjoying the sunshine as well.

Next stop, the natural food store for more sunblock. The store is not even a quarter mile from my house, and before we were even there Cameron was complaining that he was tired and wanted to be picked up. I told him that Mommy would not be able to carry him with Olivia on my back. "But I'm too tired!" He was definitely making me feel a little guilty, but then I thought to myself, "If this were Water Country he would be running around all day and never want to stop. This is just Cameron being a little bored with the events of the day." We continued on, Cameron still whining, and me trying every trick in the book to get him to cheer up and have some fun. He loves the health food store, so when we got there I had a little reprieve. We got our chemical-free sunblock and a few yogurt covered pretzels and headed out the door.

The store was just what he needed to forget how tired he was. Plus, he had renewed excitement when he saw the intersection because it meant he could press the crosswalk signal button! Oh the joy! We crossed the street and headed for the photocopy place to make a copy of my very first wedding video contract! Woo hoo! That took all of 10 seconds and we were out the door again.

The next stop was supposed to be the bank, but on a whim I asked Cameron if he would like to go to out to breakfast. "Oh! Yeah!" was his instant reply. That got us all the way into downtown without complaint, if even faster than ever!

Breakfast was peaceful and delicious and both of my children were super well-behaved, much to my delight and amazement. Olivia ate all of her eggs, and most of Cameron's. Cameron ate my potatoes and a packet of jelly (he puts it on the toast, but then just eats the jelly).

So now it was off to the bank and then the post office. Cameron exclaimed loudly as we entered the bank, "Mmm, the bank smells good!" Olivia waved like the Queen of England to everyone we saw. At the post office, Cameron paid for our stamp and then ran down the ramp and lead me to the park at the mill. We love that park. We have spent many evenings after dinner just running around and playing. It's right next to the river, but I never worried because of the great railing that keeps children from falling in. While a little nervous at the moment he runs up to it (and Olivia now too), but then calm as I realize my fear is not warranted.

Today, a different story all together. I was very comfortable with Cameron running ahead of me on the path next to the river, until I realized that one section of the railing had no posts, just a hole big enough for a large bear to fit through, never mind my 3 and 1 year olds! Yikes! So, we played on the gazebo and then headed home to make a phone call. I passed another Mommy and her children and warned her of the danger. She thanked me as that was just where they were heading. I called to police when I got home and hopefully Parks and Rec will have it fixed before the busy weekend.

Once home, I was exhausted and sweaty, as were the children. After a Popsicle and a snack, they are both soundly sleeping in their beds, and I...well, I'm blogging, as usual.

It was a wonderful morning. Who needs a back massage or a pedicure? All I need is to go out on a sunny day with my two kids, forget about home, forget about a schedule, and just let the road and the day take us where it will. Mommy therapy! What a wonderful life I have, I am truly blessed.