Put on your laughing hats

*Warning: my true, silly self comes out below. 

When I was little my older sister used to describe her mood in relation to pants. Yes, you read that right. When she was having a no-good day and wanted to warn the world she would say “I have my cranky pants on today.”

Lately, our family has been wearing our “silly, laughing hats” a lot.

Our little boy, Parker, has become quite obsessed with hats. Anything that looks like it could remotely stay on your head for a split second is dubbed a hat, tried on, and then offered to me or Sam to try on.

His favorite of all the prospective hats are buckets.

Doesn’t he have a great taste for hats??!

This last Monday evening, which we usually devote solely to family time, the hats came out in all their glory. It started simple; my husband and I just trying to cooperate with what our boy loves and going along for the hat ride. But then our silly side broke loose and there was no turning back. Soon we were sporting wacky faces, speaking in crazy voices, and trying on more “hats.” We had to take pictures, of course.

For me, sometimes parenting seems to morph into a small, at-home business. I will go about the day attending to meals, changing diapers, scheduling play dates, folding the laundry, disciplining, and then follow the bedtime routine.  According to the check list, I’ve accomplished all that needs to be done, but in reality, I’ve taken the joy and untamed silliness out of parenting–I’ve made my home a working machine.

“There is little success where there is little laughter.” -Andrew Carnegie

But lately I’ve been enjoying the sheer laughter that bubbles out of our little home. The times when my husband and I throw off our adult facade and surprise my son with how silly we really are. Not only is it enjoyable for us as a family, but it is one of the most relaxing things for me. I can revert back to my inner child that is still alive and kickin’ and just have fun. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of motherhood, simply being allowed to relive some of the most magical and carefree years of my life.

“There is a certain happiness in being silly and ridiculous.”

How do you throw off your serious pants and just have fun with your spouse and kids? I would love to hear about it!