One Happy Family

Saturday morning Ryan had the idea that we should go on a family bike ride. The humidity was low (unlike each day since), and there was a cool breeze. After packing a little lunch and loading our bikes on the car, we headed to the Rock Island Trail. It's only about a 5-minute drive from our house, and it is almost completely shaded by trees.

Collin had the most curious look on his face as we packed up; he knew something fun and different was going to happen, but he just couldn't figure out what. (We'd only ever left on the bikes directly from our house before this excursion.)

When we got there and put on his helmet, he perked right up and was so excited to get on Daddy's bike. We only rode about 8 very casual miles, stopping at about 6 miles for our picnic, but it was wonderful. Here's Collin running after Dad in the park where we ate lunch.

Do you ever have those moments of just feeling happy? You know the ones: When you realize that life is pretty good, and you need to stop fussing over the details? I get so caught up in nap-schedules, running errands, and planning activities that I forget to take a step back and look at my life. I am so happy.

All these other little families were also riding their bikes, and I realized that I was one of those "cute little families" riding our bikes on the trail on Saturday morning. I was one of them. Collin looked so cute and happy, and I realized that I am happy. I love my little family. One other family even stopped and asked if we'd like her to take our picture. Collin looks a little worse for the wear, but this is my little family.

About a month ago Ryan asked me what I would have said when I was younger that my dream life would be. That's when I remembered: This is it! I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to go to the park and play with my child. I wanted to send my cute hubby off to work each morning and greet him with a warm meal each evening. I wanted a mini-van (just kidding, but you know what I mean!).

And how can I not be happy when I have these two boys to give me hugs and kisses? I don't know how many of you are living your "dream life," but when the poop is oozing out of the side of the diaper leaving Hobby Lobby (last week) or the baby decides to wake up cranky more than an hour early (Saturday morning), try to take a step back and remember the big picture. I know our bike ride on Saturday refocused my efforts as a mom. Yep, this is what I wanted!