Hold on tight, Let it go

Dear Beach Babies, 
We spent a day in Daytona Beach.  A great beach as it allows Daddy's chair to run effortlessly across its compact sands.  This was the day I most looked forward to, images of my babies running and chasing Daddy across the sand, skipping feet through the cool water.  

As I watched the two of you play some things that were already obvious to me became striking in a new way.  You both have a lot of enthusiasm for new things, a zeal for jumping right in after a cautious survey of your surroundings.  Henry you were beyond any bit self control to be able to wait to make it to the beach.  When we got to the water's edge Daddy and I hung back a minute.  You stood and stared, digging your toes into the sand.  You stretched your arms wide out to your sides, welcoming it all, before crouching to your knees and grasping your hands out, plunging them into the sand and squeezing the sand over and over.  

 

 
You'd pull out a fist full and pile it to the side, over and over.  I felt like you were having a real moment connecting to the earth, the water, the sand.  

 

I was touched watching you.  The rest of the day went like this for you, squeezing all you could around you, including Hazel.  

  This is pretty much our day today at home, too.  You like to grab, squeeze, and compress us and the world around you.  You can bring such depth and intensity to things sometimes, with a tender edge.  I enjoyed watching you run around and try to slip your arms under the water's edge, only to get splashed in the face.  
    Hazel, you on the other hand, bring light and air to your experiences.  Timid at first, you were unsure of the sand and water, only allowing a single big toe to dig.  

You stretched your body long and threw your arms back to catch the wind. 

 Grabbing the sand, you threw small fists high into the air allowing the wind to blow it around.  

 

 

You plopped your feet in the water resulting in grand splashes that converted to giggles.  At one point you shoved your head into the water, standing up quickly you squealed; until you lost your balance and were completely wet!  

 

 

 You are such a sensory seeker you used your head as a bulldozer, moving sand along in front of you.  Your gentle way with a punch at the end seems so joyful and buoyant.  
      You both are so different, yet I love that variety and the challenges those differences bring.  To top our day, the ice cream truck drove along the beach and we were ready.  Henry you tried to protect Hazel from the cars crossing the beach but she was too concerned with catching up to me to eat her Screwball ice cream.  

 

 

 We played together a bit more before we were kicked off the beach as the sun set, Daddy chased you both some and enjoyed your love of the beach.  

A beautiful afternoon with my family, complete with some insight into how you each operate.  I had a moment of sadness for those that don't get to leave the area they live in, those who don't get a break, those who don't get to see different trees and landscape.

  There is nothing like it for moments of peace and perspective.  I am grateful Daddy works so hard that we are able to take such a trip, to give you these experiences every human deserves. 
Love, Mama

Spring Cleaning the Sandbox

Dear Henny, 

Already you have a stellar work ethic.  The first really nice weekend and you want to get work done.  You help me clean the garage and then announced that you needed to work on your sandbox.  We literally had to PULL you out of it while you demanded, "I am not done with my project yet!  I have to finish."  Sorry about that one.  I am certain you get this from Mama.  If I am not yet done with something I keep going and going, unlike your more reasonable Daddy that would take more time the next day to complete it rested and fed.  After a rinse in the sink you went straight to the bath.  I love your tenacity.  

We can't wait to put you to work have your enthusiastic help this summer, when there is always plenty to do.  You have been staying after me to get the chainsaw out to cut up a large limb that fell last week by our kitchen window.  When I tell you maybe later you tell me you'll just go get it done yourself!  We adore our workin' buddy.

Love, Mama

Sandbox in Our Own Yard!

Dear Digsy, 
A couple of weeks ago Bahboo and Grandma P were over. They could hardly stand it when they saw you trying to dig in the dirt with your yellow backhoe and the dirt was entirely too hard to get a good scoop.  So Bahboo took off and returned with a baby pool and bags of sand.  Then as he watched you dig your little finger toes into the sand for the first time he and, then Grandma P, could not bear not joining in.  Mama hid stuff in the sand for you to dig out.  

You were really trying hard to play fair.  You contorted your face in all directions in an attempt to keep your eyes shut until the word go! was released.  Oh my!  The faces you were making trying to ward of peepin' were priceless.  Look how much love you get!  

You are worthy of it Henny bear!
Love, Mama