When Days are Long, and Years are Short

This past weekend the boys' and girls' bedrooms were filled -

grands tucked in with books, music and favorite blankets.

One thing we noticed during nighttime routines

is that they are growing up,

acquiring ways of settling in on their own. 

The reality felt just a little strange ...

as much as it was wonderful. 

 

Is it any wonder I contemplated this fleeting stage ...

so much so that it became more special,

the innocent, carefree, simplicity

still evident in the youngest one.

A time when there are never enough twirls, 

games of snakes and ladders 

or cups of apple juice and cookies.

I feel the changes come gradually -

watching her and then the older ones -

welcoming a new season,

one of mixed independence and teaching,

while climbing trees, texting cousins, 

racing each other on scooters,

playing pool or baking cookies
and going for seconds at mealtimes.

But one of my favorite moments, 

settled on couches around a big bowl of popcorn,

were the giggles coming from them all

while listening to Eeyore's complaints and

Winnie the Pooh's words of wisdom. 

A reminder that some things will never change.

♡♡♡