An Draíocht na Óige (The Magic of Childhood)

“There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.” - Elizabeth Lawrence

The title is hopefully a correct translation for "The magic of childhood". I have been thinking about this a lot lately. One of the things I love most about honoring St. Patrick's Day at our house is planning a trap for the leprechaun. Colin really gets in to the planning of it and the possibility of catching one. He is in 3rd grade now, and I know that we may lose this glorious wonder that he carries as a child. The way children look at the world is amazing. What a gift to have for however many years you can stay beneath that veil. Or even luckier if you can carry some of that wonder into adulthood. 

I know some will be astonished that my son still believes in Santa and things like fairies and leprechauns. Although, I do think that he is avoiding really asking himself. I am honest when he ask me questions. I have been fortunate that he has not really asked the "right" ones. Like for Santa, he ask me if I believe. I honestly said that I would love to believe that someone cares enough to try and brighten the day of every child that celebrates Christmas and hopefully the others in different ways. I hope that he carries this as long as possible. Especially in the direction that our country is going. A little hope and cheer is a good thing.

I am truly going to miss this time. Colin's belief in all possibilities is so inspiring to me.  A reminder to be positive, hopeful, and open-minded.  I am not one to get super emotional, but the thought of this chapter ending makes me tear up. What a wonderful period to be a witness too. 

This year we did a simple approach, Parchment paper, maple syrup, and chocolate kisses for bait. Yet again, it did not work. However, the next morning there were little green (we think) footprints on the paper, our toilet water was green again, and some green candy was left.

I hope everyone had a fun St. Patrick's Day!