This is what it’s all about

The boys have been begging me to play outside in the rain all summer long. But, it seems like we never get the right kind of rain for playing in. First it was too cold. Then it was too stormy. But, when the rain started coming down this morning Mike looked at me and said it was time. It was hot. The rain was coming down hard and there was some thunder but it wasn't lightning. It was perfect play outside in the rain weather. So, they did. Nick was a little hesitant for about 2.5 seconds but as soon as the garage door was up Zander was running for freedom. He was soaked before Nick could catch him in the driveway. And they were loving it.

I don't know that it is all that safe, but we let them ride their bikes anyway. Barefoot. And in their pajamas. Yeah, it was that kind of morning. I talked to my neighbor later and she said she so enjoyed watching our boys play from her living room. She said you could just tell they were having so much fun. And they were.

Zander kept getting stuck in the current. His training wheels would get up too high and then his actual bike wheel couldn't get any traction. It was so funny watching him spin and the water splash around him.


But, when he did get some traction he would blast through the water.


He's even learning to stand up and pedal. Lord help us all.

Nick loved going full speed through the rush of water coming down the gutters.




Think it's raining hard enough? They didn't mind.


Mike had the bright idea to race two little Little Tikes boats down the street. The boys thought it was great until Zander failed to catch his in time and lost it down the sewer. Oops. Mike avoided any major meltdowns by making the boys paper boats instead. Zander was so excited to try his out.




Too bad he didn't really know what to do. He took it out in the street, held it under the water and then just let go. The then-flattened boat took off down the "stream" and Zander chased after it just as happy as a clam.


This was my favorite part of the morning. I love seeing this carefree smiles on my kids' faces. They were having an absolute blast and loving every second of this special time. I need to remember these faces the next time they ask to do something that I don't really want to do because it might make a mess or mean a little extra clean-up work for me.




And a video for your viewing pleasure.