A Great Day to Be A Kid

Image@clevelandcountyschools.org

"Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning." ~Fred Rogers

 This morning when I got up, I dug out my tennis shoes, put on my school t-shirt and shorts, slathered myself in sunscreen and happily went to work! The sky was blue as a Robin's egg and the sun was just right. It was a glorious day for the activities to come. When I got to school, I made my way down to where the events of the day would take place. I was assigned to help run the "Cup-Stacking Relay Race"! The field quickly filled with little kindergarten and first graders eager for the festivities to begin. I must confess, I was as excited as the children! The last time I was involved in Field Day I was IN the fifth grade, and lemme tell ya that was a LONG time ago!

The PE Teacher declared, "Let the games begin" and sounded her air horn. The children began the events at each of their stations! I whopped, hollered, encouraged and high 5'd the little ones at my station as they raced each other to make pyramids out of their cups! About 2/3 of the way through, a little boy came up to me, wrapped his arm around my leg, leaned his head against me and said, "Mrs. Schaefer, I'm really tired. Can we have lunch now?" I swear I nearly scooped that cutie up and headed with him to the nearest ice cream shop!

We should never get too old to play. I swear half the time it feels as if being a grown-up equates to sucking the simple joys out of life! Why do we allow that? Is it not possible to maintain our youthful enthusiasm while taking care of our adult responsibilities? If not, I don't wanna be an adult anymore! I'd much rather play with the parachute, race the kids in relay, do the bean bag toss and end with a picnic in the grass under an old shade tree, lunchables and juice boxes as my fancy pants meal. Popsicles for dessert? Count me in!