We’d spent the morning digging and planting. The heat and humidity had gotten the best of us before afternoon struck. Attention spans ran out. Whining began. They had too much energy and needed cooling off. I dug out the slip n slide that I bought 3 summers ago – $9 well spent – and thought I’d see if it had one more season in it. At first, they were timid. Then, they let the joy take over. I did the usual and took pictures. Just as they expected.
Then, the unexpected. Mom put the camera down. And put her swimsuit on. Jumping up and down. Pure glee. Shoving me toward the slide. I joined in. I let go and had fun in an entirely unexpected moment to them. I carried the boy on my back as I ran and slid. The giggling was unstoppable.
Days later, my not as young as it once was body is still sore. Totally worth it. Remembering to join in is priceless.
Hi Emily! Yay for MOM time in the sun with the kids. So fun. Love the pix. You are the BEST Mom!
Happy Mother’s Day weekend!
[Reply]
This screams FUN!!
Life’s most special moments come when we “join in”. Thanks for the reminder.
[Reply]
I have to thank you for your “just let it go” type of posts. The other day it rained and I let my girls jump in the puddles and have a great time. (I tried to take pictures but none turned out decent) This is so against what I would normally do but you have inspired me to let my kids be kids. While I may not join my girls on the slip and slide due to a bad back, I will definitely get my suit on and splash around. Seriously, thank you!
[Reply]
Hey Emily!
Okay – this looks WAY FUN!!! Enjoy all the moments of laughter and joy!!!
[Reply]
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by remodelingthislife and Hank, MoneyLifeNetwork. MoneyLifeNetwork said: Remembering To Join In http://bit.ly/bFe2sx [...]
This post brought sudden tears, as did the joy in your eyes– I love this!
[Reply]
okay, but how did you take the last photo? the first one is awesome. and, good for you! i just ran in the rain – does that count?
[Reply]
Emily Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 11:46 am
hubby took the last photo. he definitely had to get the camera back out when he saw me out there. i’m just glad he didn’t take any pictures from behind!
[Reply]
Emily Reply:
May 5th, 2010 at 11:47 am
and yes, running in the rain definitely counts. simple pleasures – enjoying the unexpected. whatever that means for you!
[Reply]
thank you all for the sweet sweet comments on our little moment in time.
[Reply]
I have some great memories of playing with my mom when I was little.
I’m sure your kids will too!
[Reply]
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!
[Reply]
Love the pictures! I wish I could have joined.
[Reply]
Way to go momma! The kids look like they loved having you playing with them!
[Reply]
Awesome! thanks for the reminder to put my camera down and join in!
[Reply]
I love these photos! That was probably one of your finest parenting moments, in your kid’s eyes anyway. I have trouble remembering to join in the fun. Thank you for the reminder!
-FringeGirl
[Reply]
Wow, pictures tell a story and looks like it is fun story. It is always good idea to join in fun! Sometimes I am too busy cleaning and worrying and I forget to join my kids for fun! I needed this reminder, now I am off internet to play with my 2 little ones.Thanks.
[Reply]
How awesome! Happy Mother’s Day!
Found you through Chatting At the Sky,
Stacey
[Reply]
We have a slip n slide and I am now feeling a bit shameful that I’m just the one who hooks up the hose and takes the pictures. I may just have to join in next time. I bet they’d love that. I am a little scared of breaking my back though. I’m getting old.
[Reply]
LOVE the pic of Drew slipping and sliding!!!
[Reply]
great shots- love the drops of water. good for you to join in the fun!!
[Reply]