Phew, February! It's been quite a winter whirlwind for us this year.
Here in Providence, the blizzard from a couple weeks ago supplied ample snow for delightful winter outdoor adventures and play.
Personally, I adore wintertime, and the bright, snowy days after a blizzard are always some of the best days of the year. I long for them in the sticky heat of late summer, and appreciate the ways that snowy places make people slow down, help each other out, and come out of their houses at least long enough shovel the sidewalks together. Or meet at the park for some sledding.
We don't travel much, since (a) we love being where we live, and (b) traveling with twin two-year-olds and a four-year-old is exhausting, not to mention expensive.
But I'm not going to complain about lifting off to spend our kids' birthday week in Florida, while Junebug's school was closed for break. Swimming all day long at Grandma and Grandpa's house! What better February birthday present than that?!?
It was a lovely break from the slushy, sleety post-fluffy snow period in New England, when everything turns from bright white to dirty gray, and winter starts to feel a wee bit tiresome.
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After getting back from Florida, I did a load of laundry and repacked my suitcase, setting off again for a non-profit board meeting in Washington DC. This time, by myself; the kids stayed home with Dad.
My three days sans children in DC were such a gift, a break in the daily routine of my life where I got to enter an adult world again. I got to use my brain uninterruptedly, sit around a board room table with many brilliant and dedicated people, and take my shower and drink my morning cup of coffee in unhurried solitude. It was fantastic, and the board meeting itself highly productive.
But by the time I boarded the plane back home, I could hardly wait a second longer to smother my kiddos with smooches and get back to the busy work of Momming.
Taking breaks from my life helps me appreciate it. The New England snow, the slushy freezing rain, and the chaotic life at home with small children. I wouldn't trade it for all the sunny days in Florida.
Nice post. great pictures. and so true, taking a break from the "everyday" helps me enjoy how wonderful every day is.
Posted by: Shazia | 02/28/2013 at 11:24 AM