Memory Making Moments

Memories.  L and I have been talking lately about what we remember most about being a kid.  The family time, the places we went, the friends we had, the holidays we celebrated, the adventures that we created.  What makes a memory stick?  What is it about an experience that creates a memory strong enough to make its way into that long term memory vault?  We don't have the answers but we do know that childhood is such a short amount of time and we are going to make the most of it.  The great thing about being a parent is that L and I get to enjoy those memories again, through Luke.  What a beautiful life we have!

 

For the past three weekends straight we have been wandering.  We find ourselves walking aimlessly for miles in the chilly weather and muddy terrain just because.  I LOVE it!  Family hikes are my absolute favorite.  We have been staying local and really getting an idea of how damaging that October flood was.  We are still finding tons of flood debris...which naturally brings on discussions of stream dynamics and sediment load ;-).  Luke has brought some gems home for his collection...a toy chicken leg and his golf ball count is up to 4.  

These crazy kids have turned the shed into a clubhouse!  What a riot!  They have their afternoon snack out there, have done all the decorating themselves and really take pride in it.  I got them a "housewarming" basket full of clubhouse essentials (including a welcome mat) and they thought it was the greatest!  Afternoons well spent!

 

They even happily keep it clean!  Independence at its finest!

 My afternoons are never dull!  J and I spent the day as wolves, naturally.  We even howled ALL the way to the bus stop to get the big boys.

 

Neighborhood slackers.  Memories.  Fun.  

 

The zoo with new friends!   Kids are fantastic for so many reasons but their openness and welcoming spirit is to be emulated.  We met these two boys about 10 minutes before this picture was taken.  Fast friends who spent the ENTIRE day together both wandering the zoo and at our house.  Luke and J and M were so similar and instantly connected and Luke has been asking for another playdate.  Love the acceptance and open mind of a child!

 

Three little cartographers!

 

Fast Friends

I have two more pictures to post but let me pause here.  Friendships come and go, friendships evolve, friendships matter.  Melanie has been my friend for more than 16 years. Our friendship is strong, important, easy, organic. I value her friendship more than she knows.  I met her on a tiny college campus in Amish country.  We have shared happiness, trials, tribulation, successes, sickness, travel, hilarity, adventure, chaos, peace, and love.  She matters so very much to me.  Luke knows her as Ms. Melanie - mommy's awesome joke telling friend.  She came to visit, to be a part of the Tully life and we are grateful.  As I write this she is channeling her inner grownup and interviewing for a job that we Tullys not so secretly hope she gets and accepts!  She is awesome and we LOVE her!  

July 2011

Luke - age 2

Kim and Melanie age - doesn't matter

January 2016

 

Luke - age 6.5

Kim and Melanie age - still doesn't matter

Making memories not only FOR Luke but WITH Luke.  The ordinary is the extraordinary!