I then closed my eyes so I hear every sweet sound the night held....5 boys ranging in age from 11 to 20-something playing ball at our basketball hoop we've left in the middle of the court for all to enjoy. A random boy will sing, "If you love me, let me goooo" as he shoots the ball followed by the ting of the rattling hoop and collective, "aaaahhh". I hear a sweet little girl pleasantly yell out to everyone, "Good night!" as her dad whisks her inside for bed. (I remember the days of trying to coax a younger kid inside for bath and bed as older kids are still outside enjoying the setting sun. Some moments I really miss having younger kids around; though, this moment, I don't envy him.) Birds are happily chirping and then I hear my carefree 8 year old son sing at the top of his lungs, "Zip a dee do da. Zip a dee a. My oh My What a Wonderful Day!" I can't help but smile at his song choice tonight. He's riding his bike around the court singing the entire song and doesn't care if anyone hears him or even sees him. He rides his bike, weaves around toys, chalk and his sister as he continues to belt out this happy tune. And it is then that I think, this is the perfect place to live. This is magic and life is beautiful.
The "big boy" went inside to help with his kiddos bedtimes
My happy singer stopped to join me on the porch.
For years Jim and I have considered moving to the country. Having a big farmhouse on a few acres would be such a great life! We could have bonfires, have ATVs the kids could run around on, a big Walton style kitchen table.... Then I experience this night and all the beautiful sounds.
This is our first summer in over 14 years that we don't have someone playing softball or baseball. For the past several years, we've had 3 or more playing ball which means it took our own kind of magic to get everyone where they needed to be at the right time and to have a cheering squad of some sort. I often wondered what it'd be like to enjoy a glass of lemonade on a relaxing summer evening. This year, I finally get to find out. I look forward to more nights like this one and being able to experience more summer magic. I don't need a few acres or a huge Walton style kitchen table to have a great life full of magic. I just need to step outside our front door and listen to the happy sounds of life on our court.
Life is quite often full of magical moments. I hope we all take the time to stop and the enjoy the magic life brings.
Happy Summer everyone!
