Finding Fun in the Little Things

This weekend we spent a couple hours with family at a local burger joint. Azita had so much fun that she passed out the minute she hit the carseat.

The thing that amazed me was how much fun Azita was able to have with just a few straws.

It started with drumming.

And then there was pickup sticks…

…and baton twirling.

And when she was done with the active playing, she pondered the meaning of the straws for a while.

Those straws got a lot of mileage in just two hours, and somehow she managed to keep herself entertained. At some point in my life I was able to do the same thing. Now I need to have the tv or radio on in the background, a laptop on my lap and a book or magazine next to me in order to keep myself interested. I’m not saying I’m incapable of having good, simple fun. It’s just not a regular occurrence in my life.

Azita, on the other hand, will have the best of times with the most basic things, whether a fistful of straws or a piece of tinfoil or her foot. When do we lose that ability? When does this stop being a part of our nature? It’s good to have that reminder sometimes to slow down and find fun in the little things in life.

Sloppy Kisses

One of my favorite things to play with Azita lately is “I’m going to kiss you.” Basically I threaten her with kisses. “I’m going to kiss you cheek. I’m going to do it. I swear. Here I come.” Then I give her a giant kiss on her cheek. Or her belly or her chin or head or foot…And then the best part. She giggles hysterically and tries to kiss me back. Except she doesn’t really know how to pucker her lips yet, so she does her very own version of a kiss. She smiles widely and slobbers on my cheek. It’s a sloppy mess, and I love it.