A Better Us
When Ryan and I first moved into our bedroom together in University Park, our first love pad was a love room in a house with 3 other Grad students. A few feet away were tennis courts. We played tennis all the time. This is not to say we were very good at it. We had a blast just running around and laughing. When we moved to southern Maryland and had the babies, activities like this were no longer convenient. Even hikes were not as frequent as they once were. Kayaking changed from a weekend event to an hour event. I have to admit it really bothered me that after children we somehow had lost a very defining part of ourselves.
Last year Ryan and I escaped for a rare date which consisted of a six pack on the roof of his lab overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. We discussed this issue in depth. We realized not only are we no longer cool, but maybe even boring. The only thought that kept us from jumping was, One day we will be able to teach the kids the same outdoor activities that we enjoy. At some magical point we would bring the kids to play tennis with us and go for kayaking tours again. Perhaps we would never be cool again, but fun, we would have....someday.
Well friends, we have decided that time has arrived. A few days ago we brought the kids to play tennis. As we drove to the courts I cautioned Ryan that it may take a few tries before the kids get a hang of it, but we must continue to bring them.
Apparently I did not give them enough credit. They were so well behaved and had so much fun! We did too. Once again we found ourselves running around and giggling. I think we laughed more with the kids than we did back in UP. They became our little ball gatherers, which was incredibly handy. At one point we each had a child in our arms as we ran after wild serves. What a great start to being ourselves again. Only a better version of us, because we have Reed & Fiona to share the experience.
Since then they have not stopped talking about tennis. I'm willing to bet the Easter Bunny will be putting tennis racquets in their basket this year.
Here are a few pictures from this breaking moment. Please do not mind my goofy smile.
Last year Ryan and I escaped for a rare date which consisted of a six pack on the roof of his lab overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. We discussed this issue in depth. We realized not only are we no longer cool, but maybe even boring. The only thought that kept us from jumping was, One day we will be able to teach the kids the same outdoor activities that we enjoy. At some magical point we would bring the kids to play tennis with us and go for kayaking tours again. Perhaps we would never be cool again, but fun, we would have....someday.
Well friends, we have decided that time has arrived. A few days ago we brought the kids to play tennis. As we drove to the courts I cautioned Ryan that it may take a few tries before the kids get a hang of it, but we must continue to bring them.
Apparently I did not give them enough credit. They were so well behaved and had so much fun! We did too. Once again we found ourselves running around and giggling. I think we laughed more with the kids than we did back in UP. They became our little ball gatherers, which was incredibly handy. At one point we each had a child in our arms as we ran after wild serves. What a great start to being ourselves again. Only a better version of us, because we have Reed & Fiona to share the experience.
Since then they have not stopped talking about tennis. I'm willing to bet the Easter Bunny will be putting tennis racquets in their basket this year.
Here are a few pictures from this breaking moment. Please do not mind my goofy smile.
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