photo by JASON OXENHAM

On rainy or really hot days my boys and I opt to go to the mall to play in the indoor play area or head to Mickey D’s for some indoor play set fun. Yeah, yeah I know the food is “unhealthy”, but I am that mom that once in a while, will let the kids eat “fast food”.  They love it here and I can see why. Do allow me to illustrate this simple pleasure with you…

Rockford loves their fries (don’t we all) but like any other one of his meals, has trouble finishing anything. So after a good effort on his part, I let him venture off to the mega-slides, of course, not before removing his shoes. About an hour later, he returns for something to drink. As I see the sweat dripping from his great set of hair I know it’s time to get him and little brother Rocco their free mini ice cream cones. They love ice cream, but usually can’t finish it before it has melted all over their hands. Sometimes I help them eat them, ok every time.

While Rockford is busy making new friends Rocco occupies himself cruising around on his knees where he encounters kind moms and kids that smile and laugh with him. He doesn’t stop there though, he wants to be like the older kids and climb the slides. That’s why he too, like Rockford, works up a sweat and needs to cool down.

What does mommy do? Well, I am following Rocco around to make sure he doesn’t hurt himself…or other kids he wants to use as a walker. Like every proud mama, I have my camera on hand ready to capture yet another priceless moment of my bundles of joy. I love watching them socialize, laugh and explore.

About an hour after they’ve had ice cream I give the kids the 15, 10, and 5 minute warning to leave. By the time I say, “time to go”, it’s an amicable departure for them and their new-found friends. I guess they know it wont be that long before they see each other again. So the next time you are considering a day out with the kids, consider an indoor McDonald’s even if it’s just for the slides and ice cream. It’s the simple pleasures in life that bring about so much joy with contentment.