Why Not?

My mom and I were standing in the park watching the boys play in one of the water fountains.  They were using cups to scoop up the water and pour it onto the ground creating a wonderful mud puddle.  My mom said to me, "You are a better mom than I was. I would never have let you guys do something like that."  And I answered simply, "Why not."

"Why not." has become a sort of motto for me since we have been in Australia.  We are here in this beautiful place surrounded by incredible sights and sounds.  There are millions of things to see, taste, touch and hear so why not let the boys explore. I could say, "No, stay out of the puddles," but isn't that what boots are for? I could say, "Don't dig in the dirt," but I am pretty sure shovels and diggers are meant to dig. I could say, "Don't pick up that feather. It is dirty," but I am sure feathers feel smooth and prickly and are wonderful to collect.  I am pretty sure I would not let the kids eat the leaves or crunch on an insect, but we use our mouths to taste the wind and to blow bubbles.  So why not do that one more "thing" that the boys want to do.Why rush home. Why not sit in the park a little longer. Why not explore just one more part of the park. Why not look for one more insect in the dirt. Why not stick your hand in the cool water of the fountain or touch the petals of a flower.  Why not take advantage of the beautiful place we are in and all that it has to offer.