In the dirt at dusk

It was a balmy 84 degrees with big gusts of wind that blew my hair from side to side. I heard it was going to turn off cold the next day so after dinner I told the boys we would go outdoors and savor what was left of the day. I grabbed my camera and I followed them up the street, feet pounding in front of me begging to “catch up, mama!”

I pointed to the big dirt pile, there because more houses are being built in our neighborhood. “Let’s go up there,” I said as we trudged through the overgrown grass. They jumped over and through until we came upon it. One of their favorite places to play.

They immediately climbed to the top and my mama heart had to let go a little as the crumbling dirt slipped beneath their feet.

Brigham brought his Hulk toy along with him, Hulk-smashing it while watching his brother’s every move. I envy the fact that he is still not afraid of anything. I wish I could be more like that.

The sky boasted brilliant orange and pink colors while still being overcast. It felt like we were witnessing some type of nature show.

The moon peeked out at us whispering it was time to go back inside.

I want them to grow up with dirt on their hands and cheeks and know that it’s okay to play freely. I may tense up when I notice their dusty new tennis shoes. But my heart says, let them play. They’re just kids.

Landon entertained me with poses, something that doesn’t often happen because, well, he’s four and he’s too busy to stop what he’s doing to smile at the camera.

But on this night, with the grand finale sunset spreading pink and orange across the sky, he smiled. For me. And I caught the weight of his four-year-old happiness in the gloaming hour.