two sighs

It was a misty, moisty morning, but I couldn't bear to stay inside today, and since we had the car, I packed the boys up with a stack of sand toys, threw on their boots and water-resistant coats, and went down to Puget Sound. The deciduous trees have new spring green leaves spraying against the Northwestern evergreens, and the red-wing black birds and seagulls and geese and ducks were making a good rhythmic chatter in the foggy mist. Sun peeked out across the water, flecking a little more color into the atmosphere. The boys poked around contentedly, digging in the sand, throwing rocks. I sighed, and even had a chance to gaze out at the landscape in relative quiet. Then I saw a dark shape bobbing in the water that hadn't been there before, as far as I could remember. It changed shape, unlike a rock, and I realized that it was a harbor seal. And there was another one a bit further out. It's the first time I'd seen them while down at the water-- we always hear them barking when we go to a spot that overlooks the marina, so I've really wanted to see them closer. They're a bit shyer in the Sound than they seem to be further south, where they loll around in large numbers near San Francisco. I excitedly told Solomon (16 months) that there was a seal, and it somehow sent him into a tizzy. I think he wanted to really see it, like at the aquarium, and he was perhaps getting a bit soggy and cold. He was yelling loud enough that I wanted to spare the other peaceful morning walkers, so I started to get Ezra (almost three) ready to go too. He was focused and loves to be down there, so he protested a bit, but I got them moving down the path eventually. But then both boys wanted me to hold them, and both were wailing, and I just couldn't carry them and the toys. Lord almighty, how the mood changes on a dime. I left Ezra bawling on the path while I ran Solomon to the car, fetched Ez and sighed again, but this time with less tranquility. Once in the car, I made a point to refer back to the moments before the meltdown, not willing to give up the gift of the beauty and quiet. Sheesh.