We All Need a Walk Sometimes

Yesterday was, by all measure, our last day of spring break. Yes it was Friday and yes we have two more days before we return to "regular" life...but Friday felt like the last day of vacation. We spent a large part of the day outside. It's hard to deny yourself fresh air in SE Texas during March. The humidity creeps in but is easily overpowered by a swift breeze. The UV index is not so high as to fry your skin. It's during March that I want buck the system and run the air conditioning while at the same time opening the windows.

On our first outing of the day we walked a community path through the woods, along a small bayou and out to the Bay. I realized as we stood on the shore amidst a pile of white oyster shells that it had been a year since we'd been to this little hide-away. Abbie got her first taste of sand and surf. While not sure about the breaking waves (although she needed a bath after rolling in something resembling raccoon poo), she plopped herself right down in the sand for a little rest before the long hike back to the car. 

The girls were troopers, running at times, volunteering to carry the backpack, and avoiding a potential "freak out" when we encountered a grass snake on the path. They even took a few "back woods" routes, meeting up with us as we stayed on the main path. It's frightening to think about how quickly they are growing up, becoming independent and stretching their boundaries. I have realized lately what a short time we will be a part of their daily lives before they take flight on their own. I am thankful for this week together and the simple memories we will have in future years.