We've become walkers again in our new home, and it's a welcome change from the hours I clocked in Ohio behind the wheel of my minivan, feeling my butt expand with every refill of the gas tank.
It took the kids a few weeks to get used to really embrace the walking. At first they clung to the car door and begged me to drive them to school, but now they march out the door, ready to kick the leaves and breathe in the fresh air on their way to school.
Driving in the car, we were quiet in our respective rows, staring out the window. Now, even when the kids are running up ahead, we're shouting back and forth to each other, talking about the day ahead, testing out spelling words, and pointing out spooky houses. No longer a chauffeur, I feel more connected to the kids, more awake in the moment we're sharing.
I never thought that walking to school would be one of the things I love most about living in Chicago, but so far, it's the highlight of my day. We'll see how we feel after the first snowfall...
5 comments:
This makes me wish that I was able to walk to school with my kids. I used to walk to school as a kid but now we live too far away.
Beautiful picture.
That is so wonderful! What a great way to reconnect each day.
What a dear, dear image! The training wheels? PLUPERFECT!
Thank you for playing along with Way Back When-esday, Vanessa. :)
Oh yes, walking is awesome, it really is. I really need to use a car daily here in Toronto but if there is chance to use my feet from time to time, I am totally overjoyed. It feels so good to be outside sometimes. Also, if there is terrible traffic, it is much less stressful to get somewhere by walk.
that is really so cute! nice shot
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