It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

The wind is blowing ever so gently and the leaves are turning colors. I see bright oranges, reds, and yellows everywhere that I look. The breeze is cool and comforting, whether it is coming in through the windows or I am outside enjoying it with my boys. It is a time of chili and beef stew for dinner, and coffee on all day with mint creamer in it (not that the coffee thing is new, but the creamer is). Football is on the TV all day and Roger and I each pull out our NFL jerseys to wear in support of our favorite players--AJ Hawk (Packers) for him, and Peyton Manning (Indianapolis) for me. Oddly enough, neither of them play for the two teams that we mostly claim as our own. Weird. Anyway, fall is the best time of year for all of these reasons, today being one that reminds me.

Colin is forever asking me to play cars with him and today is no different. I generally do not enjoy playing cars because it requires me to get into a character and it is my least favorite thing to do. I prefer just to push them around and race them. Since today is so gorgeous outside, I had the bright idea to take his cars outside and race them down our driveway because it has a downward slope towards the garage. That way we played cars and got out into the beautiful weather all at the same time! It was a total blast! He tired of cars after about 25 minutes and then Christopher came out to join us after waking up from his nap and eating some lunch. He was content to sit on my lap in the driveway and watch as Colin ran all over the yard, tagging the curve sign, the tree, the lamppost, the bush, the fence and whatever else I told him to. Colin ran super fast and Christopher's smile spoke volumes.

When we headed inside, Colin's nurturing side came out in full force, almost bringing tears to my eyes. He grabbed Christopher's hand to help him in through the garage, navigating him around the car tire, the trash bags that are waiting to go out to the trash can, and up the step. His gentle words were so kind and loving. I thought it was over and then I asked Christopher if he wanted me to take his jacket off. Immediately and without even thinking about it, Colin jumped up and walked over to where Christopher was standing. He unzipped his jacket, helped him pull the sleeves off, and put the jacket up on the table for me. It's these times that remind me of why I became a mom. The absolute bursting of my heart when I see them do something so kind and utterly innocent makes every tantrum, every frustration, every scolding worth it because I know that he is becoming a loving, caring, responsible person. I am so proud to be his mom! Even though I don't have pictures for this post, the ones that are in my head will never leave.