Get dirty and scuff your knees

We’ve been getting phenomenal weather here in Portland this week. I’ve been heading outside as often as possible to take advantage of the sun and soak up some much-needed vitamin D.

Yesterday a friend and I had planned to meet at the Oregon Zoo—that is, until I arrived and witnessed the mayhem that $4 admission day involves. After hunting for a parking space for altogether too long, we scrapped our plans and met at the park instead.

Peeper was probably just as happy playing on the lawn than she would have been looking at the elephants and cheetahs (although she’s really into animal books lately, especially the wonderfully interactive Dog and My Giant Fold-out Book of Animals). She and her buddy zoomed around the small patch of grass we claimed.

IMG_3632_2IMG_3622Peeper picked up leaves and grabbed dandelion petals. She toppled downhill—she’s clearly not used to crawling down an incline—but just looked around, surprised, when she righted herself. She paid no heed to sticks and muddy patches as she crawled here and there.

By the time we left, her hands and bare feet were all dirty, and the knees of her leggings were smudged with grass stains.

During my baby shower, friends and family took turns saying things they wished for my soon-to-be-born child. My mother-in-law wished that Peeper would be unafraid of getting dirty and take time to get acquainted with bugs. I carried the idea behind that blessing with me since, partly because I, too, love the idea of raising a child who won’t let a little dirt get in the way of her curiosity.

Extra scrubbing at bath time and stain remover are a small price to pay for the freedom of exploration. Grassy pants and dirty hands are proof of a day well spent.

0 thoughts on “Get dirty and scuff your knees

  • April 9, 2014 at 3:06 pm
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    One of the great things about kids is that they don’t necessarily need a fancy zoo to have a good time!! I can’t remember the last time I had barefeet on grass (all these urban fears about hidden broken glass or that it was used as doggy toilet…), but I remember those carefree days!

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  • April 10, 2014 at 6:08 am
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    Great pics Catherine! She’s getting so big. Pretty girl!

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  • April 10, 2014 at 10:23 am
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    Yes, it has been beautiful here! I’ve never tried the $4 days at the zoo…and I don’t think I will! Ha ha! My children are always getting dirty and it is GREAT!

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  • April 10, 2014 at 8:24 pm
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    It has been SO nice and I really forgot how nice it is to get the kids outside. Really puts my son in a great mood. I am savoring every moment.

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  • April 13, 2014 at 7:59 am
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    I can’t even begin to imagine the mayhem $4 zoo day in the spring after such a bleak winter would bring! Glad your day worked out in the end anyhow 🙂

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