Backyard Chimenea Campfire

"Why did it take so long for us to do this?" asked Shawn as we sat and watched the wood burn in the little ceramic chimenea that has been sitting unused on our patio since before our kids were born.

I looked at our boys and realized that it took these past two and a half years to be able to have our arms free. Then you have to consider Seattle weather as well as the time of sunset. Yesterday was just the perfect day for a little fire in the yard.

The boys had taken a late nap after a day spent exploring the beach at Discovery Park so this meant that there was a lot of time after dinner for adventure and fun. Since the weather was cool and dry Shawn and I came up with the idea of "how about a fire." We don't have an indoor fireplace, but we have a lovely ceramic chimenea in the yard on our stone patio. We gathered some supplies and headed out of doors. It was still too bright outside at first so the boys just played. Since our yard opens onto our neighbors it was natural that soon it was four and five boys all playing together. Being out of doors just invites play. The neighbor child's cap and goggles as well as our boys pretend cellphones, a few balls and a bat, led to plenty to do before darkness set in. But as is the case, summer days drift into summer nights and soon it was dark enough to light the fire. Unlike our campfires lately, the wood was dry and we only used a recycled envelope to create enough flame to burn the dried wood we have had sitting around.

The flames danced upward and the smoke went out the little chimney. A fire invites community and it wasn't long until the mom next door and her son joined us. Our young children were enchanted by the flicker for a short while, then they ran around in the growing darkness until the inevitable fall occurred. Luckily, Theo was not badly hurt and the kids gathered in our arms. We all watched the wood, fire and embers. The adults talked until it was time for songs. We sang a few classic favorites -including the abc song, Sam's request, along with Twinkle Twinkle and Ba Ba Black Sheep- songs that are to the same tune. The neighbor boy next door was the first to say, "I am running out of energy" and he left with his mom.

Our boys stayed in our laps for only a few minutes more and then helped dad get water to put out the fire.

As we went into the house Sam and I lingered behind. It is not often that you notice stars in the urban sky, but last night they were present. Sam layed down on the grass and I joined him. For ten minutes we noticed the stars. We pointed out the bright ones. The one "over there and over there." We saw the clouds and Sam noticed the trees above us as well. The boys don't yet know about wishing on a star...but what more could a mom wish for than getting to spend such a peaceful moment with her child knowing her other boy and husband are happily starting snack in the warm light of the kitchen.