Shadow Hopping

Today, as Bits and I are in the kitchen eating our strawberry granola bars and dancing to the music in our heads, I realized there was no other child in this world better suited for me.

We took another family walk in our soon to be spring U.P. and Bits shadow hopped my silhouette and giggled every time he misstepped.

Mike has, for sure, lost any hope of increasing his heart rate and attaining an actual quality walking pace when I'm along for the stroll, because my "shiny object syndrome" always gets in the way. Something wonderful that I see today may not look the same tomorrow, so the need to capture the moment always compels me to stop even with the frustrated vocalizations of my husband. Honestly, do you not see the beauty in the peeling paint of a green light pole against the receding snow in the background?

I can't help myself...I like what I like and my eyes scan constantly for new inspirational shots. People should feel lucky that I'm not taking pictures of all the dog poo left by our cold friends during their winter walks (honestly, I'd have enough pics. to make a substantial coffee table book).

I Thought you Knew how Long the Trail Was

Oh by the way, what can happen sometimes if you come to visit, is I will take you to one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the area, forget to tell you how long the hike is out to view it, stay behind in the Jeep while Bits takes his

nap (maybe, close my eyes, for a minute or two), sip on your Iced Moolatte, and watch as you run back to the Jeep from the biting fly that was tormenting you on your 2 mile trek (seriously, Mom, Dad, and James, I really didn't know the distance to those falls, honestly).

I just can't seem to get enough of the Big Lake and Black River Harbor, so I drove my family to see why we can't stop talking about this U.P. It was a comparative photo opportunity as my Dad and I clicked similar images, but I kept bragging I captured the better ones (although he has a better camera with a better zoom, unfair competition, I think)

Orange and Blue, Color Harmonies in Nature

Yes, some days I am quite stressed and think, " Come on, how much more can I handle?", but then there are days like today, a day without any other obligations than to give undivided attention to my son.

I don't have a pic., but I have a scene description to brighten your day and put things into happy perspective:

Bits and I picked up sticks in the yard, went down to the park and played and played, then came home for lunch outside sitting in chairs on the back walkway. As always, Bits takes a bite and then runs away distracted. He caught sight of something fluttering around, and in his blue shorts and orange shirt, he chased through the long grasses after a teasing monarch butterfly.

A true photographer would have had camera in hand to capture such visual harmony, but I am not a true photographer, I am a mom, sitting in the sun enjoying her little one find fun in the nature around us.

Spring Temps Bring About Muddy Pants

Some things are unavoidable. Some things I just have to accept.

Boys and puddles, splashing and throwing pebbles. When it's above 50, sun is shining, and you are the proud parent of an active two year old boy, opportunities like sitting on the front steps as your son giggles, runs and makes a huge mess of himself, just need to happen. I have given up in defeat in trying to discourage Bits from stepping with sneakers on and pants uncuffed into murky little pools. What's the harm in having to stain treat a pair of khakis and setting a pair of shoes next to the heater.

This afternoon in March was great fun as I watched Mr. Xenopus take joy in running back and forth, finding ice pieces, sharing broken cement chunks with Mommy, and leaving wet shoe prints on the exposed driveway. Birds singing happy songs about their warmth in the boughs of trees, and grass creeping back to life as more and more snow recedes. Play time in the park is coming and this momma and toddler are counting down the days.