Today was one of those wonderful days that comes to your mind when you think about being a stay at home mom but in reality don't come along as often as you like.

First of all the weather is perfect. Low 80s, low humidity, brilliant blue sky with puffy marshmallow clouds, and a breeze that keeps the grass and trees in constant motion. Adding all those things together, Aubrey and I decided to get out of the house. While she was taking her morning nap I packed up our backpack full of a yummy picnic lunch. After slathering up with sunscreen and grabbing a blanket to sit on we were out the door. Only a 10 minute drive away is one of the most beautiful parks that I have ever been to. Wide, rolling meadows, meandering streams, sun dappled woods, and herds of graceful shy deer are only a few reasons that I love Manassas National Battlefield park.

Aubrey and I were the only people in the part of the park we picked for our adventure. I parked the car and put her in the backpack and HEAVED it onto my back. Woah, okay, heavier than I thought, so we took a short hike to a shady spot under a juniper (cedar maybe?) tree. Aubrey enjoyed crawling around on the quilt, playing with my sunglasses and water bottle and I just lay on my back and gazed up at the tree and sky. The cicadas and the wind made enough noise to block out the distant traffic sounds so for all we knew we were all alone. I am a country girl at heart and having that time away from the hustle and bustle was so peaceful. We ate pasta salad and watermellon for lunch; then while Aubrey was climbing on me we saw a mommy and baby deer nearby. Aubrey actually spotted them first, pointing and saying "doggy." After they left, I put Aubrey back in the pack and took a little longer walk back to the car.

The tree we sat under.

Enjoying some water

Can you spot Aubrey on the blanket?
The view from our picnic spot. The stone wall is an old homestead.

Gazing up at a bird flying by.

After the park we went to the library where Aubrey enjoyed pulling books off the shelves, reading, and walking around. At one point she got down to crawl away as fast as she could, giggling all the way. She thinks it is so funny to play catch me if you can.

On the way home we stopped at Starbucks (okay, this country girl does love some things about the suburbs) and I drank some iced coffee and we shared a rice krispie treat while reading one of her books from the library. She then walked around some more while charming other customers with her big grins and coy dimples. Aubrey now loves walking without holding anything, she knows what a huge accomplishment it is and doesn't want to do much else!

The only thing that makes me sad about this day is that Aubrey won't have any memory of it. I appreciate now that she is a participant in day to day activities rather than a little blob I tote around. I am looking forward to many more days of fun with my little companion.