The weather was so beautiful today — after a few hot days, the lightly chilly breeze was much welcome. On a good day, we go out twice and today was one of those good days. We were going for a walk just before dinner, whether the kids liked it or not. They always end up liking it but getting them to put on their shoes and get out of the house is the main obstacle.

We started our walk in the opposite direction of our typical route — a house had their sprinklers on. The water had formed a small puddle on the sidewalk. My first comment to the children was to not step in the puddle and go around it as I did. I am not sure if they heard or not. As I stood there waiting for them to catch up with me and my stroller as they bickered and chatted between themselves, one louder than the other, I gave a second order. This time I told them to form a line, get ready and run through the sprinkler (but only once!). They were ecstatic and so ready. And it felt so good. Of course Zaynab, my oldest who always exaggerates everything, decided to run around in circles instead. Still, it was not hard to get her out of it and onto the next thing as there was a nice set of chalk in vibrant purple and orange left for the next pedestrians to get creative with.

I think this was the highlight of my day. That feeling of just letting go…