It happened the other day when we took the kids to the zoo. It was a perfect spring morning. The kind that included sunshine, no humidity, and a sweet breeze that lasted all day. In South Carolina that kind of “spring” doesn’t last very long so we have learned to take advantage of it! With all the traveling we had in April, it was nice to have a Friday together as a family and since the zoo is always a good idea, we made our way there – armed with snacks, sunscreen, and smiles.
The kids have been to the zoo countless times, but it gets better and better as they get older. My daughter was 6 months old the first time we went. (Cue the mom-tears). Now that she’s four – going on fourteen – she’s a pro. She walks in like she owns the place taking her brother by the hand and leading him directly to her favorite spots.
This particular morning we were walking around the lion and tiger exhibit and we heard the sound of the monkeys going crazy behind us. Instantly, my kids were squealing over the show that the furry monkeys were giving us. Swinging from branch to branch, squawking, and entertaining the masses around them. I stepped back and snapped a photo of the three most important people in the world to me and as I lowered my iPhone, I almost got a little choked up with emotion.
Seeing these two tiny humans be so happy and excited about those two swinging primates literally made my heart swell. I realized how blessed and grateful I am to be able to see the world through their eyes. It happens when I least expect it, like when we fill up their inflatable pool in the back yard and they get to slide down their playground slide and soar right into it. Or at the park when they climb up the monkey bars all by themselves. Or when they want to run around the house with my husband chasing them. I see life with a new perspective. It’s not dull or boring or terrible. It’s magical. It’s new. It’s beautiful.
We’ve all heard the expression “seeing life through rose-colored glasses”. Nothing is as good as seeing life through “parent-goggles”.
What is your favorite moment as parents?
xoxo, Brandi’
