Rainy Day Play

A couple of days ago, we were invited over for lunch and pool time at Nan & Pop's. The day was overcast, but hot & humid in the low 90's. We were all looking forward to cooling off in the water.

There were threatening clouds in the sky, but no lightning or rain. We decided to take our chances in the pool. My preference for outdoor play is that the time spent outside should be at least twice as long as the time it takes me to lube the boys up in sunblock (my least favorite summertime duty). Nan, Pop, and the boys made it out to the pool before Will and I. But after a quick nursing session, diaper change, and the donning of his adorable bathing suit (and mine, which isn't quite as adorable- but we do sport the same pale belly rolls), we made it outside. And enjoyed about 15 minutes of the pool before we felt a couple of sprinkles.

And then the bottom dropped out. Will and I barely made it under the deck's awning before the downpour began.

Watching the rain and wondering what to do now.


Then Jacob had an idea. Why let the rain ruin our afternoon plans? He decided that instead of taking advantage of the awning's protective cover, he would take advantage of the cooling rain.


And of course Alex followed suit.


Dancing in the rain was a must.



Jacob found a "beautiful leaf" that he wanted to keep and asked me to take a picture of him with it. It's on the table beside me as I type this, and already, he has drawn a replica on paper with markers.



This was the first time they've ever played in the rain. And they loved every second of it.






In case you don't believe they were enjoying themselves, I offer the following two pictures as photographic evidence. I think the expressions on both of their faces are ones of pure happiness. They're also my 2 favorite pictures from that day.



An afternoon that could have been considered ruined is now instead remembered as some of the most fun they've ever had.

While on our way back home, I noticed the roads were completely dry just a few miles away from Nan & Pop's house. And there had been no rain at our house either. The rain had been a nice, perfectly timed gift for the boys that afternoon.
Later that evening, though, the rain finally hit home. And when it cleared up after dinner, I decided the boys needed a little more time outside.

For puddle splashing.

Sure, we've stomped in a puddle or two while crossing a parking lot, but never gone outside with the sole intention of splashing in puddles and making a mess. Of course the chance to jump in puddles AND wear their boots was not an opportunity the boys could pass up.






Sometimes rainy days mean hours on end of finding indoor activities to keep boys entertained...and running laps inside the house to burn off energy. Rainy days sometimes mean Mommy is especially exhausted at the day's end. But that day, rainy or not, was definitely one of my favorite days.
And I'm pretty sure it was one of theirs too.