childish.

word of the day: childish \ˈchī(-ə)l-dish\ lacking complexity; simple

Childhood is a funny thing. It seems like kids do all that they can to grow up and then once they get there, they think, "If only I could be a kid again."

Take naps for example. When we were in Oklahoma last week, my nephews were NOT too keen on their afternoon naps. I tried to explain to Carter that once he is older he will love naps and wish he could take more of them. I don't think he bought it.

I, for one, like to revert back to my childhood every once and again. It's like sometimes things get a little too serious and the mood needs lightened a little bit. Or like life gets so entangled with bills and long work days that I need to be reminded of simpler times. Maybe that's why I made my college girlfriends dress up in all my old dance costumes so often.

Anyway, I was thinking about this past week, and I realized that Jake and I did some pretty childish things. And I say childish in only the best sense possible.

On Tuesday night, we had some friends over for dessert. I asked Jake what he wanted me to make and he replied without hesitation, "Dirt cups!"



Do you remember dirt cups? Part smashed Oreos, part chocolate pudding, part whipped cream, and strategically placed gummy worms? I have very vivid memories of my first dirt cup at my friend Sarah's mystery dinner birthday party in elementary school. Sometimes childishness tastes delicious.

Other times childishness just warms the soul with its laughter. Jake and I went swimming yesterday. Now, I will admit to being the girl at the pool who only gets in the water 1.) if it is close to the temperature of bath water and 2.) to help speed up the tanning process. As I was laying out beside the pool, I realized that I hadn't heard Jake in a little while. I looked up and immediately saw this:



Jake had created a flotation device and was using it to keep himself afloat so he could shoot water out of the noodle water gun he found. It was like I was back in Jake's childhood for a small moment watching him build something to float in and find a weapon to use while floating. The thought of Jake as a little boy made me smile. I suppose the gun eventually got old, though, so he slowly floated back in my direction.



As I looked at his noodle raft, I decided it was about time I revert back to my own childhood and get into that darn pool. So, after a good bit of shrieking (I already admitted to being that girl) about how cold the water was, Jake finally convinced me to just go under. And by "convinced me," I mean he actually had to pull me under.

We had a contest to see who could go the farthest based on their wall push off. Only straight arms and no kicking allowed. I lost obviously.

I showed Jake my nearly perfect pool hand stand and he tried to mimic but was average at best. He just couldn't keep his knees straight.

We fought for control over the raft, and I did manage to throw him off once.

We wore goggles and made faces at each other underneath the water.

It was all so childish, really, but what a grand afternoon it was. I can't remember the last time I had that much fun, laughed so hard, and snorted so much water up my nose.

It lacked complexity. It was simple. It was an afternoon in which Jake and I forgot about all our other obligations and responsibilities and focused on enjoying the company of one another. It reminded me how thankful I am to have a husband who loves to have fun, because I would not have gotten in that pool if he hadn't been enjoying himself so much.

I wouldn't change being an adult for anything, but I also wouldn't change the simple moments in life that remind me of what is really important.

Now, I think I'll go take a nap.