Naked toes and other lessons of being a kid

Naked toes. They're not just for summer anymore.

The freedom of bare feet is one that doesn't compare in the life of my 3 year old. Even in 50-degree mornings, I'm begged, pleaded, screamed at and cried all over the proposition of possibly having the freedom of "naked toes" in sandals on the way to daycare.

Sometimes as grownups we forget the seemingly simple pleasures in life. Like walking barefoot in the grass to water the plants or simply play outside. Or the ease of talking a walk and having a quiet conversation in a neighborhood that just stops at 7:30 p.m. Or in the amazement of seeing a 2-week-old baby calf, just learning to walk and anxious for something to eat.

That's how we spent Friday night. A visit to Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville was our short getaway. We go to their Friday organic market a few times a year, but the reason for the trip this weekend was to celebrate five days of great behavior and to see the newly birthed calves, which I'd read about on TPC's e-newsletter.

Coming eye to eye with a cow, no matter how little, is a surprising experience for a 3 year old. She squatted and stared up at them, not wanting to come too close, but absolutely entranced. We saw about five calves at the dairy farm, and one brave soul sauntered up to the fence for some attention and the possibility of food. It got the attention, though it would have likely preferred the latter.

And then the magic was gone. My daughter remembered there were chickens here too, and we were off in the hunt to find them.

Too often we're so busy with the clutter of technology and stuff in our lives that we forget to appreciate the little moments. I'm sure not every member of our party was as interested in this little event on a Friday night. But if my child remembers for one day the cow and chickens she saw for half an hour, instead of what was on Sprout or what movie she begged for and failed to get to watch, it's time well spent.