Crouching in a Creek Bed

Kevin was working late yesterday, which means Grayson and I were left to fill the afternoon with some mommy-and-me time.

I must confess, I both love and loathe these times.

Love them because it’s the perfect excuse to do those things you’re not “supposed” to do: like have Dippin’ Dots for snack, skip naps, watch entirely too much Gabba...all of which Grayson adores (I swear, Yo Gabba Gabba is like crack for babies).

Loathe because, though we’ve been a part of each other’s lives for so long, I’m always a bit heartsick when Kevin has to work late... more now since we’ve become parents than I ever did when it was just the two of us. I always feel like he’s missing out on some magic memory that Grayson and I create together. But, I guess at the same time, it makes it super-special for me and my little guy, each parent needs those “just you and me” moments.

And yesterday was an amazing one.

Ask anyone who knew me when I was kid and they’d tell you I was the most precocious, dirt-fearing little priss who preferred barbies to anything outdoors. Now, an older, wiser mom to her own little hellion, umm, not a lot has changed. ;)

But, I’m making progress.

Yesterday Gray and I went to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano (freakin’ love it!). Kevin and I had driven by a few times in the past and always wanted to take Bentley to go explorin' and hiking, but just haven’t ever made the time. I never even thought of taking Grayson there. But, it was a beautiful day and I just needed to get away. So, as we pulled into the parking lot yesterday afternoon, I was just as excited as Grayson. We tackled the tot-size playground, drove a magic pirate ship

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(barefoot of course) and then, sans stroller (this was a first!), we hit the trails.

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Grayson had me chasing him under fences, through brush and after dogs (lots and lots of dogs).

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I, in my $5 Old Navy flip flops, wasn’t much of a match for the wild man..but, then we hit the water.

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There are lots of creeks running through the preserve and lots of rocks to throw in them. So, that's just what we did! Who knew Mommy was such an awesome pebble skipper......er thrower?

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Grayson had a blast and believe it or not, I did too! The water was soooo cold and the rocks made the loudest splash......Grayson was in "dirt heaven".

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Now that Gray is pushing 2... well, you know what they say, you can lead a toddler to water, but you can’t make him stay out of it. ;) Complete in his wannabe-crocs and my ghetto flops, we tromped and splashed and climbed our way through the streams.

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It. Was. Awesome.

Mr. Man got a little “too brave” at times... his balance isn’t quite up to navigating sudden drop offs and extra-large rocks hidden amongst the pebble beds, but he loved it. And, this dirt-loathing mama did, too.


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When we climbed our way outta’ the stream, we were soaked and squishy and covered in mud, but it was one of the best afternoons I’ve ever had with my little guy.

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I can’t wait to take him back. (Although, I’ll be rethinking my footwear.....and I'll probably drag Daddy along to take the pics.)

I'm sure we were a sight to see.......a prissy momma trying to chase after a little dude, all the while yelling, "Say Cheese, Grayson.....look at mommy....no-no don't touch that, ewwww gross, it's muddy.....bubba this way.....look at mommy!"

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It’s so important that we, as parents, teach our children and lead them down the right path, but, every so often it’s even more important to let them take the reigns. It’s amazing how the view of the world changes when you’re crouching in a creek bed.....


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Thank you son, for this amazing day and for showing me that I just need to let it all go sometimes.

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And thank you God for little-smelly-dirty toes.....almost good enough to eat.....almost.

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