That is what the other day was for me.
When the twins, Chilli and I were picking Gemma up from school it was a momentary break from the last few days of drizzle. The wind was getting cooler and I knew that it would not be long before we were going to be locked back up inside because of more downpours. A friend pointed out that Clover had found a puddle. Now Clover was not dressed for such discoveries and if you know Clover, that means nothing to her. Also, you would know that by found a puddle, my friend did not mean Clover was standing next to it. No, my Clover was wet up to her knees and having a great time. The stream of people passing her on the way out of school were giving her a wide berth and sheilding their children’s eyes. Clover didn’t notice a soul…she was in her happy place. Her happy place is very messy.
Kieran joined her and together they soaked their sneakers and pants and beamed with joy.
I knew what I had to do.
Find a bigger puddle so we could all play.
Off we went home to get some rain boots and then head out in search of a transient pond that appears in the alley by our home everytime it rains. That is where you could have found us for a while that afternoon. Three soaked kids, their mom lying on the ground with her camera / phone and the family dog trying to figure out who the hell these crazy people were and how she could stay out of the ruckus! 
I could have asked them to stop. I could have easily stopped the fun for some saner and dryer activity, but forget that. I was happy being able to smile and not say “No” for once.
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Brilliant to see kids having such a great time. Brings back many happy memories when this type of activity was all we had back in the early 70′s. Far better to let them “just be kids” I say every so often. In the end, it’s just another load of washing really! Great photo’s too – love the lonesome pink gum boot action shot!
so much fun! i love that last shot!
Wonderful! I think times like this will be the memories your children share with people, and the things that shape them as parents! Love that last photo of the empty gumboot also.
I just LOVE this! When I was a kid they were digging up our street to put in new pipes. It rained for about 2-3 days and the street FILLED with water. No joke at least 2 feet. Some front yards even had that much rain. All us kids on the street spent a few days playing in our new ‘swimming pool’ dressed in bathing suits and rubber boots! I remember feeling so free.
There is so much freedom in “Yes.”
What great memories for them! I’m going to try to say “no” less often.
Love that last shot! And saying “yes” is just worth it sometimes. Lots of times.
Love, love, love it. These are the things that kids remember when they grow up. Not the fancy toys etc but just having a laugh together.. And the last shot here.. What a capture!
I love your blog and photography so much! I’ve been a fan since I was 11 (15 now). Would you ever do a work shop in Hampton Roads when you’re in VA?!
Oh wow! That last image is amazing! It took my breath away the first time I saw it. I can feel all the excitement and fun and laughter in that shot alone. I can almost feel my foot getting wet, imagining it were my boot come off in mid stride. Brilliant images and brilliant parenting!