Monday, May 4, 2009

just another day in paradise

Sometimes, I just gotta' sit back and smile.
This evening was just an ordinary day with nothing on the schedule. Boring? Not a chance. After our picnic supper in the back yard, we stayed out to play. Mind you, nearly every toy is pulled out of the garage by the toddlers who try something for 5 minutes, then move on. So the neighbor kids know, we're out, and we're ready to play. At one point we had 18 kids in the back yard; one teenager (who lasted only moments), the rest ages 12 and under. What on earth do they all do to stay entertained? Well pull up a patio chair with me, sit back and take it all in. It's a hoot!
There are 4 of the older ones back near the alley playing a mean game of basketball, 2 youngest in a swing with an older girl pushing. 3 boys in the fort swinging plastic rakes and other "weapons" at would-be invaders, 3 others rolling balls down the slide~then back up again, and 4 or 5 girls sitting around a much too small toddler-size picninc table reading jokes to each other, and laughing hysterically. I can't help but just take a break, sit back and watch. This is what all neighborhoods should be like growing up, not?! I love that some kids come over to hang out with kids their age, while others come over just to hold and play with the "babies." Everyone's happy and entertained. And this mom, just thrilled to have read a newspaper cover-to-cover for the first time in ages!
Is it any wonder walkers and joggers passing by nearly break their necks to check out all the action at this house? I'd have to look long and hard too, just to see what kinda party's going on! No party....just another day in paradise!