Tonight after dinner the kids and I were a little bored.  So, I packed Mack into the stroller – barefoot and wearing just a t-shirt and a BumGenius – and helped Evie put her shoes on so the three of us could go for a nice walk. It was an unseasonably warm September evening – low 90’s and not a cloud in the sky.  Cicadas were chirping in the city trees as we walked around our neighborhood, and everyone we passed seemed to be in the best mood.  Even the dogs were smiling!

As we made our way around a corner I asked Evie which direction we should head.  She suggested we walk to Navy Pier for a ride on the little train.  What a lovely idea!  As soon as we got there Mack climbed out of the stroller and Evie helped him into the lead engine.  They loved spinning around the short track, and when their ride was over they asked for another turn. How could I turn down such a simple and sincere request from my two cherubs??

As we left the Pier, Evie found an outdoor art exhibit perfectly designed for busy bodies.  She climbed up and down, with little Mack trying in earnest to keep up with her.  They took such delight in being out in the city as bedtime approached.  I was in no hurry to get home, though.  All too soon a perfectly warm night like this will be a distant memory, and I’ll be longing for the chance to linger outside longer than necessary.  It was nice to not be in any rush at all.

These are the nights I want to remember for always: my little kids being little…and loving it.