We dropped the Ladybug off at piano practice the other day and the boys and I headed home to start dinner.

Just me, and the boys.

Besides the zoo, we also hit the playground and an Easter egg hunt this past weekend.

The Cowboy piped up…”Hey {Speedracer}–why did the chicken cross the road?”

“To get to the other side?” You could actually hear the query lilting at the end.

“Noooo…” You could actually hear the giggle just below the Cowboy’s voice…which, as any mother of boys knows means trouble.

We made the most of the beautiful weather on our short spring break.

“Because his Momma says so?”

“Noooo…”

You could hear the giggle building…

Mr. Fix-It was the spotter. Having Daddy right there raised the Ladybug's confidence level by leaps and bounds even if he didn't actually help her.

“Because he was naked!”

“Yes!”

And they started howling like it was the funniest thing they’d ever heard.

Speedracer was actually pretty tired out already. He wasn't his normal climb-anything self.

“Ok, ok, guys. Enough. We’re not going to talk about naked chickens.”

“Naked chickens!! Momma said naked chickens!”

They were laughing so hard they were gasping for breath.

The Cowboy was as adventurous as ever. He's got new sneakers, so he's ready to tackle anything!

“Boys! Enough! We don’t talk about naked…anything!”

There was complete silence–for a whole 3 seconds–then a little voice piped up…

We don't call him Speedracer for nothing! {grin}

“He was naked!”

And they were off again, laughing until their sides hurt.

And I start to smile…then chuckle…then sigh…

Then I just gave in and laughed…until my sides hurt and my itchy-allergy eyes were watering…and the more I laughed the more they laughed.

The Diva and the Ladybug were just too cute together every minute of the weekend.

I am thankful for family.

For the security that comes from bonds of love.

For “good night, sleep tight, don’t let the mung-mungs bite!” and “blah-stinky mojo!” and “aye-ayes jump from tree to tree!”

For laughing until it hurts at things that no one else finds funny.

It’s these moments that make us more than just random people sharing a house. It’s these moments that build our family history, our legacy, the foundation for us to “rejoice in time to come.” (Proverbs 31:25) These are the things that will keep us close.

I’m even thankful for naked chickens! Who knew that old joke could still be funny?

What are you thankful for today?