I am messing with the straps of my new backpack-thingy that has officially taken over for the diaper bag and my seconds are numbered. The biggest can undo everyone’s carseats, the littlest can work a minivan door like nobody’s business.
My backpack adjusted, I fish for my camera as the moments to capture blur past. Stick finding, rock throwing, what bird is that? can we go down there? All before I catch their steps.
There is a wooden dock over a pond a ways down the trail. I’m hoping we can make it all the way, sit and eat lunch and then take our time hiking back the way we came. But it’s just me with them and last year it took so long for their short strides to arrive at the water, I thought we would never make it back to the van. Little legs were worn out before we hit our halfway point and I dreamt of a stroller, a wagon, a bike with a huge basket, anything to relieve my balancing them all.
I haven’t finished thinking about the distance and we are there. My backpack thumps at my spine as I rush to get ahead of everyone. I try to point out lily pads but they explain where the frogs are instead and I shhh them so we don’t disturb a pretty bird and they tell me it is probably a robin because its belly is orange.
We walk on further for hiking sticks and wishing dandelions and then turn back, deciding on our new Halfway. There is talk of counting to 100 and preschool field trips and snack day tomorrow and they shoot ahead again. The first one asks for a lift in our final stretch. I call ahead to slow down the race to finish.
They look so much bigger close up.
Linking up with just write and Parenting by Dummies.
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Oh that last line, it’s SO true! They do look bigger close up, for sure! 🙂 We are so blessed to have these moments with them… xo
They do look so grown up. What great moments you captured.
My husband took Lucas camping this weekend and i swear Lucas is a different bigger (little) boy. It’s crazy how fast they grow up. Crazy and sad.
I love your post Jessica and i really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing those lovely words and photos with us. I’m looking forward to read more from you!
I love the pictures, your thoughts, and your words. Lovely.
It’s amazing how they grow, isn’t it? I love seeing it in comparison to something we did before. It’s such a fun yardstick.
Time really does fly by. I just couldn’t understand when my kids grew up and started working.
I’m an old mom now, but your post did take me back some 15 years or so. It was the same story back then as well.
-Sarah
Wow – he really does look big there. No strollers is bittersweet. More for mom to carry, less hassle on the stairs.
I know, they are getting so old. It is so nice though to have outing be so much more manageable.
Wow! Your kids must have enjoyed these beautiful experience in the nature! I really like being outdoor with my little daughter as well. Kids can make their own researches while making small expeditions.
Nice photos! I can’t imagine how you captured this while running after this kids! Lol! I don’t know if I can still be able run after those kids..i’m suffering from arthritis this past few days..Though I know this is one of the best bonding times with our kids.
So beautiful. This getting bigger thing has me stumped. I can’t believe how fast it happens.
Great pics! Thanks so much for sharing.
What a beautiful post! I struggle with them growing up – I want them to because I know the alternative is unthinkable but sometimes I miss the shorter legs and the stroller days. xo
OK I have to admit I seriously love my Ju-Ju-Bee diaper bag. I’m pretty sure once Elijah is potty trained I will keep using the bag. Its the best backpack I ever had.
This computer doesn’t like me very much today. Let’s try this one again!
Love these captured memories and your beautiful photographs. Your words always move me, Jessica. Hope this finds you well in body and in mind. Much love!
Love these photographs and your captures memories together. What a beautiful post this is. Hope all is well with you, Jessica. XOXO
This is so cool and so heartbreaking. My cousin/BFF has four kids and with every milestone I find myself more proud of them and more amazed by then, yet I can’t wrap my mind around where the time is gone and how quickly they’ve turned in to “people”. And… they AREN’T EVEN MY KIDS! 🙂 I can only imagine what it must be like to witness your own offspring turn into intelligent little beings.
Side note, I’ve always been pretty amazed by your strength. I’ve told Hadley’s story to several of my friends removed from the blog world and they’ve all marveled at your ability to move on- and to move on so optimistically. When I miscarried, I was pretty sure my world was over- that it was the worst thing that could have happened to me, and then I was reminded of your story and realized that people have survived far greater losses. I know how bad it hurt to lose my pregnancy, so I feel like I can’t even begin to know what your family went through losing her. Anyway, just wanted to tell you I have a newfound admiration for your resilience. Pretty amazing.
I wish I had known about your miscarriage sooner, I wish I could have supported you through it earlier on Jen. My heart just breaks for you. And I’m here if you ever need me. xo
This sounds like my day at the park today. They move so fast I can barely keep up anymore.
So sweet. It’s amazing how big they all are!!!
We keep adding kids, so even when the older ones cross the “can-do” line, another one is coming up behind…this must be a very poignant milestone to cross.
Beautiful, as always.
Mmmm. I love those slow-down moments that automatically happen when we step outside the doors of our homes and our mini-vans. 🙂
This takes my breath away.
The picture, the words, the juxtaposition of one year with the next.
One year. And a lifetime.
Don’t blink.
What a wonderful word picture you painted in this post! I can hear their joy at finding nature’s treasure and their laughter as they run ahead of you.
Sigh. Beautiful words my friend. xo
I love going on walks with my girls.
There’s nothing better than to learn through nature and to learn through their discoveries in nature.
This was beautifully written, Jessica. Thank you for taking us there with you.
Isn’t it amazing how their increasing abilities give us just those extra SECONDS we need to adjust!?
My children can’t wait to get back to the farm! LA is too much for one winter!
It seems that the kids are really enjoying their time in exploring the place.
My children are literally HUGE now and I can’t even imagine where all the time went. How did it happen?
Your pictures are gorgeous.
Yesterday we went for a walk and I pulled out the wagon…my son said “oh no Momma, I’m a big kid like you. I walk now.” sighhhhhheeeee.
That’s what happens when you feed them. They do tend to get bigger.
Add a little nurturing and they grow like weeds!
m.
They are so very big and fast and then more big, aren’t they?
Beautiful words, as always, friend.
xo
Seeing them as little ones from afar but catching them at just the right angle to see how grown they really are is bittersweet. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by.
I am getting just as weepy as we’re approaching A’s last day of preschool as I did about her starting. It’s just crazy how quickly this year went by and how much bigger they grow each day.
They do and how are you keeping up with blogging and commenting with that new baby? You are super mom/blogger!