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Friday, February 24, 2012

No Wind, No Problem

While exploring in a closet, Levi found a kite I had purchased.  He was pretty excited by the prospect of flying it.  Wednesday morning, after I told him we were going to the park, he grabbed the kite.

I explained that it wasn't windy at all outside and we might just play in the sand and on the slides.  He seemed to understand but still tightly held the kite and on the way to the park mentioned how fun it would be when he got to fly it.  I explained again that there was no wind.  This happened again and then again.  I was kind of confused.  He seemed to understand me when I explained about the wind but it did not deter him.  He was confident that he would fly the kite.

It wasn't until he said, "Sometimes the wind just needs to take a break" did I remember this story from his Highlights magazine from MONTHS ago:

It was incredibly still outside but he was so earnest and sweet about the kite that I took him out to the field and opened it up.  I expected that with no wind he would lose interest and we would move on.

What I did not count on was his little legs going fast enough to launch the kite.  He ran at top speed for the better part of 45 minutes, the whole time absolutely filled with glee at the sight of his kite soaring and swooping. 

He ran and ran and ran.  After a little while the kite would come down or Levi would take a tumble (This was inevitable.  After all, his eyes were glued to the kite the whole time and he was running at top speed).  At first he would bring the kite to me so I could throw it up in the air.  After awhile, he was able to get it launched by himself.

Levi was smiling from ear to ear.  I was laughing, clapping, and cheering him on. Milo stood seriously, observing. 

It was such a special morning for me- few things are more amazing than seeing your child experience something for the first time that fills them with such excitement and joy and complete enthusiasm.  I know it was 'just' kite flying but you'll have to trust me on this: it was magical.

He was so muddy by the end.


After a long time I told him we had to let Milo have some time on the play equipment.  Levi proudly carried his kite and showed it to the other kids.  He did not want to go down the slides or climb around, instead choosing to sit with the kite at the table.


After awhile Levi convinced us both to go back to the field for more quality kite time. 

This time, Milo rifled through my purse and found some extra snacks.  He helped himself.

"It looks like we might be here for awhile, better settle in." munchmunchmunch.  "That looks exhausting."


I'm so blessed.


1 comment:

Corrine said...

This was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes! Love you guys!