Do you remember?

Do you remember the days when blowing bubbles at a park was the only thing on your mind? As in, that minute, that second, that single moment? Watching your bubble grow as you adjust your breath to create the perfect sphere that shined like a rainbow in the April sun? I don't either.

I watched my kids this morning and I was downright jealous of them. We met up with our Mommy Group at a local park that had it all - picnic shelter, a big kids and a little kids area, and best of all -- a huge sandbox and swings. From a two month old wrapped Moby-style around her momma's midrif to a pair of four year old twins, we had buckets, shovels, sidewalk chalk, and bubbles everywhere. The kids were all giggles and smiles as they knew that the 76 degrees and sun were just the start to many many more days like this one. Spring has sprung!

Zoe made instant friends with one of the four year old twins and they didn't seem to mind or notice an 18-month age gap.

They just cracked up at each other jokes, "Knock Knock!"

"Who's there?"

"Cat!"

"Cat Who?"

"Meeeeeee-owwww!" as they both fell into the grass in a fit of laughter.

Mason's mom had his little sister wrapped around her, came from Library time, and remembered to stock her car with all the sand and play gear previously mentioned. I felt like a real loser with the two Mercy Hospital mugs (my C-section war badges) and two Gladware containers we brought. In all honestly, I was pumped I remembered anything that could be used in the sandbox! Usually I only catch on to making a Park Pack in late-August each summer.

Xander just followed the older boys around and had a ball in the sandbox that could also host a truck rally it was so dusty and dirty. More than once I saw him nibble on a pebble or two and wondered if that would be considered an organic snack or not?

Zoe and her new friend were laughing hysterically and then suddenly started playing butterfly. You could feel their energy and almost picture their gorgeous five foot wing spans with hearts and rainbows bedazzling the air. They ran with their heads thrown back and knees high, delighted to just move in an open space and warm air.

When was the last time I ever wanted to run? Actually wanted to throw my hands out and just move? When was the last time I laughed so hard my sides hurt with a new friend? Actually laughed a real laugh with an adult? Have I ever bent down and stared a grasshopper eye to eye without any intent to get it off my porch/deck/driveway? Just looked at it to look?  Have I ever stepped into a sandbox and said, "Hell yeah!" while kicking off my feet and diving in, belly first, not caring if it was inside my undies or toenails?

This place is free. It doesn't cost a thing. You can show up at all hours and enjoy it. My kids had more fun here for three hours than they did at $60 a pop at Sea World this winter.

When did it take a lot more than a bottle of soapy water, a wand, and a blue sky to make me happy?

How can I get back to this place in time where the world stands still and your cares drift away until you are left with a smile, dirty fingernails, and an overwhelming desire for a popsicle on a park bench?