I hear it at least once a week, and usually more often than that. The collective energy of her entire body welling up until one phrase works it’s way up and passes through the marrow she is sucking out of life. “This is the best day EVER!”
I heard it again this week as we pulled into a make shift parking lot of grass and dirt. Mostly dirt. We made our way through the orange cones and the line of reflector vests waving us down and directing us to the nearest spot they could find. Squeals filled the air while carnival rides and a giant ferris wheel filled the azure sky sprinkled generously with fluffy clouds.
And I think about her reaction. I think about the memories that we make even when getting out of the house, packing snacks and diapers, calming whines and driving 45 minutes through towns that we’re still learning, and thus getting lost or having to turn around at least once or twice is never an easy task to undertake. But for another best day EVER? It’s completely worth it.
“Life is short. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile.”
Days like this I’ll never regret. I’ll never be able to erase the smiles that have been etched in time with sticky ice creamed lips. But I won’t lie, making memories takes some effort. I don’t always write about the hassle that comes with our drinking-every-last-drop-of-goodness-from-the-day adventures, but it doesn’t mean it’s not there. For every glittered unicorn we encountered along the fair grounds, there seemed to be a melt-down of some sort. The story behind our grand story is more like we had to turn around twice before we left our neighborhood for something we just couldn’t bare to be without, and Chris, who doesn’t like to be late, is now late. Or Brayden’s tired and a hot mess when, dear Lord, a robot shows up dancing and singing and little man faa-reaks. And Aliyah’s crying with 6 tickets left to burn, but she’s too thirsty to pick a ride and use them up, so we fumble around looking for a ride small enough for her to height and fast enough for her taste… before I convince her to ride the swings. Again. Because they’re the fastest.
And you know what? Baby girl rode that swing with another unicorn on her shoulder. She made a friend, and they talked the entire ride.
There was seriously strawberry EVERYTHING.
I spy big sister and her daddy.
And through the heat and the thirst and the dust, there were smiles plastered on our faces because it was good. Because we took time in the middle of a row between the guy that guesses weight and milk bottles begging to be knocked down to kiss slowly. Because we let ourselves laugh uncontrollably when we fell over our own legs trying to pick up a stray balloon Brayden found blowing between our feet. Because we forgave ourselves the attitudes from a long car ride and not getting out of the house at a decent time. Because we made memories, and that’s always good.
We walked out of this year’s Strawberry festival through the scents of delicious fried things and the sounds of live bands taking the stage in every tent we passed. We left with tired legs, dirty feet, full hearts, sticky fingers and no regrets. In the midst of everything else, we were there, together, and that made us smile.
And feel free to link up your weekend or quote posts with this week’s Sunday Citar, we’d love to have you!
Life with Kaishon says
That sounds like loads of fun! I know the carnival will be coming to us soon. Kaish and his friends always love it.
Nessa Bixler says
What a wonderful best day ever!
Drama queens mum (Kimberly) says
Great photos. I like how you all are color coordinated.
Adrienne says
The photos are magical! I love that you included some of the ‘reality check’ side of family fun! We all know there are bumps along the memory making road…but you always express so, so well the value of cherishing the golden moments that come to us! Hope you are feeling better!
Lisa says
WOW! What a great post and your photos are just beautiful!!! Thanks for taking us with you on such a magical day.
Tabitha says
Fabulous photos! Now I’m yearning for warmer weather and local festivals!
Gerri says
Looks like big fun. I love all of the photos and you all in strawberry colors too. 😉 xo