We've been getting a LOT of rain this week. Not so surprising--we do live in a rain forest, after all--but it's a change from the fairly dry weather we've had for the past month. I love, love, love the rain, especially since I'm a stay-at-home mom with a flexible schedule. We can just stay home and listen to the rain pounding on our tin roof while we read books together. =) What a life, huh? It works for a while...until I have to deal with damp laundry and energetic kids who have been cooped up in the house too long. =)
One afternoon this week we had a torrential downpour during the kids' naptime. It was fantastic! There are few things I love better than sitting in a quiet house, drinking coffee, and listening to the rain. When the kids woke up, I snuck outside to finish trimming up one of our bushes when I noticed a massive puddle in our yard. So I summoned the playful, carefree mama that hides way deep down inside me and invited the kids to come out and play in the puddle.
They were thrilled! And a bit worried that I didn't really mean it.
Toby must have asked me at least 3 times, "May I play in the puddle, Mama?" (He knows he's not supposed to play with water unless he has permission, so I guess he wanted to make absolutely sure he wasn't going to get in trouble for this.) Once he had been sufficiently reassured, he went wild. I couldn't get any good pictures of him because he would NOT stay still.
He had several good falls in the mud, of course, since he was tearing through the puddle at full speed. He complained the first few times but got over it pretty quickly. Then he completely cracked me and Jonathan up when he warned Abbie, "Hati-hati" ("be careful"). He had just learned the word that morning when the kids and I were out walking. He says it very carefully and precisely, and it sounds so funny!
Abbie was mainly delighted by the game because her brother was making such a big deal of it, I think. Between her frequent face-plants and sagging diaper, she was quite a sight.
They had a grand time. I don't think I've ever seen them so thoroughly dirty. Playful Mama was glad they enjoyed themselves so much, and Responsible Mama was glad that all the dirt (I think) came out of their clothes after a good scrubbing.
*Compliments to e.e. cummings for this delicious phrase. If you've never read the poem it comes from, you really should. It's delightful.
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