Night Sledding

I had rinsed the final supper plate and set it in the dishwasher when Cheney texted me 'bonfire and lights on the hill in a few'.  Immediately I heard Kyle's phone ring and I knew it was Cheney's husband, Bob, calling for Kyle to help him set up this elaborate neighborhood party that was about to take place.

I had just asked the kids to clear their plates, cups and such, brush teeth and put on pajamas when the whole evening was thrown up. uP. UP. in the air and riddled with a few rounds of Surprise... and it was my choice (although not a hard one considering school was canceled already for tomorrow) to either stay on track and put them to bed in a timely manner OR start giggling like a little girl and wink at them once in awhile as they watched Dad get his snow gear on and comment, 'I've got some stuff to take care of kids, I'll tell you about it later...'  They knew it was fun.  And that glee and childhood anticipation is something that should be bottled and sold.  For a lot.

We traipsed out our gate and into the street.  The bonfire was blazing bright as we followed the parameter of the park around to the open-end of the fence and into the grass.  Kids were squealing, shouting their praises to those who had gone before and announcing their impending sled, jump, dangerous attempt, etc. I couldn't be more elated with our neighborhood -- what an eclectic and wonderful group of people.  This was good.  This was so good.

Ben made his way down the slopes with various sledding partners, Mike being his favorite.  William has a newfound joy of the 'dangerous' in him and Katie has the mountain mapped... she walks around, sled tucked under her arm, black boarding pants on and a green coat; her hair is unkempt and she scans the hill as though she is analyzing the green in an Open.  

The night was perfect - the neighborhood was gathered together and if you closed your eyes, you could hear the chorus of sounds: children screaming, Dad's cheering, the fire crackling, snow hitting your jacket, sleds swooshing, Mom's laughing, dogs panting, the powder crunching under your boots and the slight breeze blowing in and around every moment being had.