Slowing down...

Well, based on the time span alone since the last blog, it is clear that there has been little time to do anything except the bare minimums. Since the last post, we have moved to Amsterdam as a family, traveled already much of Europe, been separated from one another due to work schedules, had wonderfully healthy kids that keep us running 100 mph, and have generally lived life to its fullest.

While I am generally not a hugely emotional person (just ask my kids!), I have recently been reflecting on how unbelievably lucky we are as a family. Scott and I are both gainfully employed and love our jobs. The kids are both very healthy and (genetically) stubborn. We have all that we could ask for, and more than we ever dreamed of.

Today I took the kids (almost 4 y/o and 5 y/o) to a theme park. We ran and walked for 4-5 hours as we completely ran ourselves silly all over the giant park. The only way it could have been better was if Scott had been able to go with us. As I watched the crowds and children, I happened to notice how many kids there were in wheel chairs, congenitally impaired, etc. I looked at their parents and caregivers and noticed almost all were smiling, happy, and generally excited to be where they were today.

I had to remind myself to not hurry the kids from one ride to another, but to rather let them (and myself) enjoy their explorations of things as simple as the trash can that sucks the trash out of your hands. (We spent a long time there, and virtually every piece of trash within about a 30 foot radius was cleaned up.) All in all, we only rode about 5 rides, many of which were a couple of times. The kids would have told you we did nothing but ride rides. A truly successful and happy day. We recounted which parts were our favorites several times over on our 1.5 hour drive home.

It was a good day to remember that they don't want to hurry the day, so why should I. Time to stop and smell the roses...