A windy Saturday, friends at the park & a crazy woman with a camera.

On a blustery afternoon about a week ago, we headed off to the park for some fun with friends. I took a million pictures of everyone, but really like these two. They aren't going to win any awards---G doesn't really need that other hand, does she? That's why H.F. gave her two, right?!? Still, I love how they capture the joy of the girls doing things they love.

While it always worries me, H loves exploring outside (usually as far from the house as possible) by herself. There were six of us on the playground, but she was always off by herself exploring and finding what she liked. See how happy she looks in that moment that she glimpsed the next thing she wanted to go to? I love that! While the distance that she wants to roam still gives me ulcers, I should work harder to not worry about her love of solitude. After all, being able to appreciate solitude is a valuable thing, right?

Then there's G. She is such a rowdy little stinker! At 8 she isn't much different than she was at 2. Neither of the girls are, really. G still loves bouncing and tearing around like a lunatic, constantly in motion; it's when she's happiest. So I love this (one handed!) picture of her on the teeter-totter. It shows how she lives life--a smile on her face and arms thrown open wide to embrace the moment she is in; preferably with as many friends around her as possible. G does not possess the same appreciation for solitude that her sister does. ;)

Anyhow, we had a lot of fun. Squealing, jumping, climbing and dangling were in abundance that day. But man, was it cold! We had to go 'warm' up by hitting the DQ for ice cream and french fries when we were done. Because H and G are numbers 4 and 5 in our kid line-up, I find myself more aware lately that many of the things we're experiencing with them are likely 'lasts'. I feel a greater sense of urgency than ever before, to take it all in and really live those moments as they happen. I've gotta soak it all up, baby!