Our neighborhood is full of children and sidewalks and we even have a playground. It really is a fun place for kids to grow up.

Of course, I am a pretty over-protective parent, so I prefer my kids to be snug in our backyard, right where I can see or hear them every single second.

Over the winter, two children moved in right next door. A boy and a girl. The girl is one year younger than my daughter (which makes her my son’s age) and the boy is one year younger than my son. We’ve only had a few days where the weather was decent enough for them to play outside but when they did the new neighbor kids were outside, too.

We are amazed at how quickly the four began to play together and for how long and with so much laughter and no fighting.

It’s actually peaceful.

And it’s also amazing because these two kids who just moved in this winter? Do not speak English. At all.

And the four? Really get along, they really seem to like each other. I feel like they teach me a lesson every time they go outside and play. A lesson to let my guard down and just play.

The best part for me, however? Is when those neighbor kids make poop and fart jokes, my kids will never know the difference.

I think that is pretty awesome.