The kids spent the morning packing for a safari. I’m not sure what prompted the idea, but they were quite busy and diligent at it for a long time. They had a book that had come with Lex’s safari vest and they were following the guidelines in it. They even packed emergency medical supplies (bandaids and neosporin), batteries, a map of the neigbhorhood, and snacks. They decided to look for birds and rocks, so they packed the binoculars and containers of various sizes to collect rocks.

When they were all packed up they decided that spring weather was too far away and the safari should take place today! Fortunately it really was spring weather around here and the day was sunny and nearly 40°. They asked for permission to explore the neighborhood and we agreed together on the areas they could explore on their own. I offered to go with them (please, pretty please) but they said they were fine on their own.

Once I got past the humor and cuteness of it all, and once they had actually left, I was a nervous wreck! They started next door to invite Parrish along, then went to the cul-de-sac behind the house to invite a few other friends. They ended up as a party of five on safari. I told them they could explore our cul-de-sac or the one right behind our house (that I can see from the kitchen window!) and they had to stay on the road, no woods. Boring mommy, I know. The snowbanks were so high that I could see the tops of their heads when they were walking but as soon as they sat down I lost them.

I also forgot to tell them another safety rule and was nervous about that too. They went to invite one friend and ended up going in for a few minutes while she got her snow clothes on. I’ve met this girl only once or twice and her grandparents as often. I knew the kids were there because I saw them go down the driveway, but then I lost them behind the snowbank and didn’t know if they went in or not. I was kicking myself for forgetting to tell them that rule!

All went just fine, of course, and everyone had fun. The kids anyway. I spent the entire time puttering around the kitchen and looking out the window. Good thing there were plenty of kitchen chores to be done. Somehow I was raised by laid-back hippies and ended up a total nervous wreck! This is the first time they’ve gone exploring on their own, so maybe the nerves were somewhat justified. I also barely know two of the houses they went to, not like they were our best friends or trusted neighbors.

Anyway, all is good and the kids loved it! I’m ready for warm weather so I can open the windows and see without snowbanks blocking the view. I’ll be much more relaxed then! :)