The Most Perfect Bouquet Ever
I was there strictly for business purposes. I had a photo shoot scheduled that was to involve 2-year old twins. I don't mess around when it comes to 2-year old twins. To be completely honest, I'm a little bit scared of all twins (THERE ARE TWO OF THEM!), but I'm especially scared of toddler-sized ones. I needed to have a definitive plan of action.
Alexis, on the other hand, was there strictly for fun purposes. She meanders through life with a definitive plan of action in mind. It starts with "have fun" and ends with "have more fun." In the middle she tries to cram in some fun, fun, and more fun.
We both managed to accomplish our goals.
As I looked for spots that would be shady and a path that would be easy to walk, Alexis jumped on the swings, letting out squeals of delight when my eyes grew big at her crazy heights. She has mastered the art of finding joy in making me nervous. It's a fact that makes me cringe just thinking about the teen years.
After the swings, she found some giant rocks to climb on. She hopped from one to the next, completely oblivious to all of the crazy in this world.
And then we found the tree. It has never once occurred to the child that it's possible to climb trees. When I suggested it, her eyes grew big and she said, "I can do that? Really?"
Yes, Alexis, people have been climbing trees for as long as they've been on this earth. Thank you for not figuring that out on your own, though. The ground attacks you entirely too much when you have your feet firmly planted. There's no need to see if it can reach you when you climb way up high.
It wasn't until she climbed back down from the tree that the real magic began. Just as her feet hit the ground, she caught sight of a little pink flower. It had fallen from the tree. I'm pretty strict about the "no picking flowers" rule (you have to leave them so that other people can enjoy them!), but if they're on the ground, they're fair game!
Little girls are born knowing how to tuck flowers behind their ears. I'm convinced of that fact.
Once a flower was safely tucked behind her ear, Alexis set out to make a little bouquet out of the fallen blooms. She hunted and she searched until she declared her collection "just right."
As we walked back to the car, Alexis thanked me for letting her accompany me to the park. "It was my pleasure," I responded. She grinned from ear-to-ear as she considered the compliment but then her moment of happy was interrupted as she spotted something at the side of the road.
Dandelions.
The girl LOVES dandelions. They might just be her most favorite flower in all the world. They also happen to be the one flower she's allowed to pick. There are plenty for everyone to enjoy, after all.
"Momma! Dandelions!" she cried out. "Can I pick some?" She was nervous to hear my answer as the sun was starting to set and she knew we needed to return home.
I paused to consider. "Absolutely," I told her. There is no pleasure greater than being able to let your kid do something that brings them happiness. A few more minutes at the park wasn't going to hurt anyone.
A few minutes later she turned to me and held out her bouquet. "NOW, it's perfect!" she said.
The Most Perfect Bouquet Ever has been sitting in a vase ever since.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Reader Comments (9)
I agree with the flower behind the ear, I certainly didn't teach Juliana to stick any random flower there. Last weekend Wyatt stood in the front yard, walked over to the small tree and held onto one of the low branches...it won't be long before he or Ru figures out they can climb it.
I love when I get to say "yes" to a request when they're expecting a different answer! Makes my heart happy and makes theirs absolutely ecstatic!
Can I make a request? Pens play tonight, right? Can you repost the video of Alexis shouting, "Shoot the puck!" when she was a teeny tiny Alexis? I love her saying, "Go Geno!" Cracks me up! Plus, I think it might be good luck (and they could use a bit o luck...)
HA! So, our new pear tree is perfect for climbing. It is. But the boys had never climbed one before, though they DID know it was possible. So they went running up to it and said, "MOMMY! CAN YOU TEACH US TO CLIMB A TREE?" Uh, no, buddy. You just gotta figure that one out on your own.
So they did.
Also, best bouquet ever. I love me some dandelions too!
I love this post. I love your writing because I can "see" exactly what you are talking about. I felt the joy in this post and since I have been having not so good days of late, I thank you for the most perfect bouquet ever.
what a sweet post. what a sweet little girl....
I don't think there is anything greater in this world than the Power of Saying Yes. And that goes triple when it's for your own kiddo.
Dandelions are actually my favorite flower, ever. I approve of Alexis' taste! (do you have any secret way to keep them from wilting almost instantly with pulling them out of the ground?)
@Caroline--Nope. They turn to seed within a few hours no matter what I try. They just stay in the bouquet all withery.
i adore dandelions (i have a painting in my kitchen of dandelions!) and it thrills me that alexis has it in her heart to love them, too. she is truly a special person.