A huge summer storm has just swept through the Badlands.
The dynamic landscape melts onto the walkways.
Quinn clasps her hands together and asks,
"Can we take off our shoes?"
I hesitate for a moment. My first instinct is "definitely not."
Then I remember my girls need a lifetime of yes moments.
"Go for it." Let the toe oozing begin. { See video }
The older I grow the more earnestly I feel that the few joys of childhood are the best that life has to give.
— Ellen Glasgow
Pop on over and watch the 15 second Instagram video of our mud adventure.
One mom quietly shakes her head as she passes.
Her son looks at our girls.
Then he looks up at her, his eyes full of hope.
"No," she snaps.
A few minutes later I call out, "It's time to roll out girls. Wash-up."
The girls mosey on over to the clear puddle and rinse their tootsies clean.
I fidget as I carry the girls' shoes to the car.
I feel the burn of the other parents staring at us.
Then I hear my girls laugh and... I smile.
