Kites

My dad has always enjoyed kite flying, and we had some great kite flying days in my childhood. We'd head to the high school football field, and sometimes would drive out to Skull Valley for an afternoon of kite flying/gun shooting picnics. Anytime we went downtown for a night out at Trolley Square, we'd always stop at the kite store to see if there were any new kites on display. At home, we'd have an occasional magazine dedicated to kites (and possibly other flying outdoor toys) where we'd study each page. Over the years, he collected a handful of kites - some more complicated to fly than others. I had two favorite kites. One, an elephant - gray with a dangling nose that if flown just right, would look like his trunk was swinging around for a drink of water, or possibly to scratch his ear. The other, was a dragon. Colorful and with a super long tail, this kite needed just the right amount of wind to fly. Too little, and we wouldn't get the tail off. Too much, and the tail would flip and flip causing the delicate material to rip and tear. I have vivid memories of when the wind was just right. As I would stand and watch the dragon sail, twist and turn in the sky I'd imagine myself twisting and flowing so effortlessly in the wind. Enjoying the sunshine and welcoming each turn of the wind as if it were a new adventure.

The last time my mom was here for a visit, she told me she had to pick up some kites for the kids, per grandpa's request. I'm not sure if he'd pictured these tiny kites for the kids or not, but, it was a bit early in the season, and all that was available.

She left, and they've sat. Just waiting for the right chance to be used. And, that day finally came.

Max is at the age where he is patient enough for the process (and able to stand still long enough!). This was actually his first time successfully launching the kite, and keeping it flying! No shots of the success (I spent most of my time chasing Alexis - who loved running around with her little kite, until it got stuck around a big bush).

And, while these tiny kites were no dragon (or elephant), and I thought they would never make it off the ground, they surprised me. Watching the grin on Max's face as he stood and watched his kite fly and twist in the air was so rewarding. One of those parenting moments where you can relish in and enjoy the memory. And then want to express gratitude to your parents for giving you those childhood memories.

Thanks dad for the kites.