Perks

Since Matt and I own our own business we find ourselves counting the "perks". Ironically, time is the biggest "perk"and the biggest down side. When orders need to be completed Matt stays until they get done. He makes every attempt to make it to important events, swimming lessons, lunch out with the girls and the gym class, but with the 4th of July around the corner Matt has been staying at work later and later often arriving home after midnight and leaving before the girls wake up.
You can imagine my surprise this morning when he called at around 10:30 and asked what my plans for the day were. Since it was pouring this morning when he left I thought we were doomed to a day of watching JoJo and the Wiggles.
The rain had stopped and the idea of spending the morning inside was unappealing. We decided to meet at the local wetlands nature walk to look at the animals. No less than 25 minutes later we were walking out the door and loading into the car. This is no easy task with two 22 month old toddlers and a seven month old! There were poopy diapers to change, sippy cups to fill, shoes to put on, and 2 big furry monsters to chase out of the car.

The girls were excited about going to see the animals but I think the real attraction is walking. They love the freedom of running along the boardwalk and stopping to look at the turtles, birds, and alligators. Of course, what was once a 15 or 20 minute walk now takes a good 45 minutes and lots of coaxing from 2 very hot and sweaty parents. Sydney needed a little pick me up half way around. With her bag of animal crackers in hand she walked slowly down the boardwalk. Matt and I walked ahead and when we turned around we saw our Sydney lining her animal crackers up along the railing and knocking them into the water one by one. I grabbed my camera and started to walk towards her. She saw me coming because she started to reach into the bag and throw the crackers into the water by the handful. Photo opportunity lost but truly a Sydney moment.