Oh, the Mud!

Boys need mud to survive. I'm sure of it. That is why we moved out to the country. I grew up in the country and spent countless hours outside with my sisters getting dirty. Why, oh, why is it now so hard to let go of my adult-like aversion to dirt...especially in mud form? The boys stomp up to the porch covered from head to toe in mud-puddle water, and I start Lamaze breathing. Then I remind myself that mud-wallowing is essential to childhood. Let it go. That is my new motto. Just let it go. Laugh with them. Enjoy the moment. Take a picture. Fill the bathtub with warm water and bubbles. Cleaning up can be as much fun as getting filthy.

(Levi has discovered that, if his bike is resting on his training wheels, the rear wheel spins in place--creating a water fountain. The faster he peddles, the higher the water sprays. Luke has discovered that, if he stands behind Levi, he can enjoy the shower.)