On occasion it is easy to think that country life would be so much better for children growing up, but I can't help thinking that one if we lived in the country the boys would drive in cars for almost every activity unless we lived in a very special area that worked for family biking. Hence, in the city our car sits for weeks at a time. Errands and outings are run talking and walking with neighbors. Yesterday was a classic example. We packed our stroller with a picnic lunch and headed to the "tunnel slide park" a mile away from our home.
At the park we ran into two different families with twins, one age 19 months and the other 4 years old. We ran into another mother and her son who we met when we applied for the cooperative. They did get in, off the waiting list, so this mom is always very encouraging. In talking with her I found out that we have a lot in common. The mother ha a teacher and a principal now raising her child full time just as I am: a new connection, a colleague, a new friend.
After the park the boys and I walked another couple of blocks for milk and as the boys sat outside eating their free piece of fruit we ran into a neighbor and his children. We often walk past one another, but on this occasion his daughter was also wanting to sit down for a snack and we conversed and found common ground. Most exciting to me is that I found out that his family has gone to the Family Camps at the Olympic Park Institute and he said they are fabulous! I have been thinking about attending with the boys, but he recommended that it might be best when the boys are three and can do some of their own activities. We would have walked home together, but as Theo reminded me we needed to pick up dad's shirts from the cleaners. It's amazing that a two year old can remember such details!
Finally we made the rest of the walk home, slowly...errands done, friendships made, and plenty of fresh air and exercise for all.
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