Park Fun

Yesterday, instead of going directly home after picking up Robby from school, I took a bit of a detour. I wanted to make the most of the quintessential fall day by spending some time at the park. I knew that the boys would have fun running, climbing and playing while I enjoyed the bonus of tiring them out. I decided to propel myself to hero status by swinging by McDonald's to pick up a french fry picnic treat.

Robby ran out of the car and was busy climbing before I even unbuckled my seat belt. Timmy, although he didn't know why, was mimicking the excitement of his brother.  He was kicking and squealing so loudly that I struggled to get his shoes on little wiggly feet.  He took off running after his brother as soon as I picked him up from his car seat.

The brothers played for almost 90 minutes, sometimes together but usually with Timmy running after Robby.  I was again amazed by how different the two are from each other.  Robby was so proud to have finally conquered the playground rock wall, which he claimed to be his "oppressive nemesis." Timmy, seeing his brother celebrating at the top platform, decided that he wanted to give it a try. Before I knew it he was 3/4 of the way to the top and I was pulling him down. Whereas Robby always calculates the risks of getting hurt, his little toddler brother has no fear! (Rest assured I was spotting him and he was safe throughout the climb.)

After a wonderful afternoon of playing with my kiddos, we packed up and headed home. Both were sweaty, filthy and smiling from ear to ear, which I consider badges for a fun day. Although we were less than five miles from our house, Timmy quickly fell asleep in the car as we drove home.

He was woken when I slammed on the brake before hitting the large deer that ran in front of my car. I managed to swerve enough to keep the imposing buck from smashing through the windshield, but not enough to avoid it altogether. The front right panel took the brunt of the impact, leaving a significant (and probably expensive) dent.

Thankfully nobody (with the exception of the careless deer) was hurt, but the accident certainly took the wind out of my sails. I was shaken up and frightened by the experience. Deer are beautiful to watch in our woods, but aren't nearly as majestic when the dart in front of your car.