Replacing "Pack-Pack"

As Meg was loading up her "pack-pack" this morning in preparation to go visiting teaching with me, I paid special attention to the treasured items of the day...because we all know that what's treasured today may get nothing more than a quick glance over tomorrow. Today a squishy yellow ball captivates her interest and I can only hold my breath and hope that a game of catch is on the agenda for later.

We get a lot of mileage out of that "pack-pack" over the course of a week. We even have to load that thing into the car for a quick trip to the grocery store. Of course, the backpack stays in the car while we're shopping, but it's fun to take along for the ride anyway.

Today I thought about how "pack-pack" has replaced the dreaded diaper bag. No more diapers, wipes, tissues, rattles or formula with water-filled bottles standing by. I don't even carry an extra pair of undies and toddler-sized jeans with me at all times anymore. Everything stashed inside of "pack-pack" has been carefully selected by the little princess, who knows better than anyone else what valuables will satisfy her curious cravings on any given day.

While I openly admit that I disliked many things about the diaper-bag stage of life, I admit just as freely that there's not much about this "pack-pack" stage that I don't love. Watching my children grow up is one of the most bittersweet experiences I've tasted in life.

Brita and Leah once lived through the "pack-pack" stage that I adore. However, my memories of them during this time of their lives is fading a bit. And as much as I thought I wanted their "pack pack" stage to live on forever, I have to admit that some things that might be okay for a three year old just aren't appropriate for an eight and ten year old.

When Brita and Leah were younger, I thought the day would never come when we'd all walk hands free to any event. But as we all walked to the Marriott Center on Wednesday night, excited about watching Colorado State get Jimmered, I noticed that we were indeed hands free (because Meg was with a babysitter of course).

Our hands might have been free, but that didn't mean we were without anything to do. Leah informed me as we were walking in that she had brought something to do. After guessing that she had hidden a notebook and pen in her coat (because if I don't make at least one guess, she won't tell me), she told me she brought her loose tooth to wiggle. How lovely, I thought. And as we sat through the game, I noticed both the girls had brought their curiosity and ever-abounding questions with them too. The best of both worlds...each bringing something valuable with them while leaving their hands free to clap, to eat ice cream, and best of all to hold my hand every once in a while.

And while I'd love for Meg's little "pack-pack" to hang around forever, I know the day will come when it will be replaced with something more fitting of a maturing tween-type kid. Something like curious thoughts, never-ending questions, or possibly even a loose tooth.