It's so easy to get caught up in life and forget the simple pleasures... how easy it can be to have fun.

There's a route that I drive in to town where we always pass the courtyard of a county building and every time we drive by we always comment on these huge, I mean, massive pine cones we see lying in the grass.  Kajal and I were heading to the Doctors for a check up on her hearing. It's been three months since we started the treatment (some of you may remember she was diagnosed with massive hearing loss in her left ear). We passed the courtyard and did as we always do... point to the cones in the distance and exclaim at their massive size. Let's stop Mom! Let's get one!

But we're always on our way some way, something to do, somewhere we have to be and the road is busy and it's hard to stop. You know how it goes.

The doctors appointment was quick and the news was great. Her hearing was restored! We both danced out of there, giddy with relief. She was healed! I have to admit, I wasn't too optimistic after the last visit two months ago and was preparing myself for the concept of my little one having a hearing aid. I know she would have been okay, but she's already been through so much I didn't want her to have to struggle anymore.

This time we neared the County building and I turned to Kajal, hey Kajal... I think we should stop this time. Let's go get some of those pine cones!

She whooped with glee... Great idea, Mom! Great idea!

We pulled into the parking lot and ran for the trees. These things were massive... 12 inches tall! Bigger! We laughed and ran amount the tree's, comparing this one to that one.. picking out the most beautiful ones.

As we climbed in the car our arms full of natures jewels I wondered allowed what we would do with them.

I know Mom, let's make bird feeders?

Bird feeders, how do we do that?

Oh it's easy, Special Agent Oso taught me?

Who is that Kajal?

Special Agent Oso is who I watch when you sleep late on Saturday's mom. Special Agent Oso teaches me things, things like how to build a bird feeder. First we get some peanut butter, then we get some string, then we get a pine cone. I'll show you Mommy!

And that's what she did. She coated the pine cone with peanut butter and rolled it in bird seed. Grandma even got into the spirit of things as we stood around the kitchen table together, sticky with peanut butter.. thousands of bird seed flowing over the table.

Thanks for teaching us this, Kajal... this was a perfect way to spend the day!

We hung the feeders outside and called out to the birds we saw flying by...

So simple, so perfect. Pine cones and peanut butter and one amazing, adorable little girl.