Something Smells of Mint...

I remember there was a day, it seems like it wasn't even so long ago, where I couldn't get my kids to play outside.  My daughter would always tell me how boring it was.  There were no toys.  There were no other kids in the yard.  There was just nothing to do.  My older son, of course, didn't want to go out either because his sister wasn't there.  If we could make it to a playground, we were golden.  Things would be fine and it would be plenty of fun in the fresh air and sunshine.  Otherwise, the yard was boring and full of nothing interesting.

Things have changed as of late.  The kids always want to be outside.  They don't need toys or anything else.  They turn little seeds of grass into flowers.  They pretend sticks are swords.  They go on grand adventures.  It seems like all is right with the world again.  Kids are outside, playing and using their imaginations.  They've got some vivid ones these days.

I'm not quite sure when it happened, but suddenly things changed.  The boring outdoors that could only be improved by toys, chalk, or some other diversion is now the best thing in the world.  It's the only place the kids ever want to be.  I'm certainly not complaining.  It's good for them.  Outside in the fresh air and sunshine is where kids need to be!  It's good for them, and ensures they'll sleep well at night!

Today was just one of those days.  We were all sitting outside on the patio when my partner said, "Something smells of mint..."

We all looked around the yard for what it might be when one of my room mates says, "The kids are playing in the wintergreen."

Sure enough, the kids were playing in the wintergreen.  Now they smell fresh and clean.  They've been out in the sun.  They've been using it as a forest for their grand adventures.  Life is exactly as it should be.