Outside!!!

Winter can last forever and since we spend most of our time cooped up, warm days are welcomed with open arms. Now, don’t get me wrong I love a nice cozy days at home binge watching shows but having to watch Paw Patrol or Sponge Bob all day is not my idea of fun. Since this past weekend gave us unseasonably warm weather we jumped at the opportunity to take it outside. 

We loaded up and headed to a local park to spend an afternoon hiking and playing at the playground. It did take some deal making to get the boys excited about going. We are in the stage where suggesting hiking induces moans and whines about “how it is going to be hard” and “how tired it makes my legs.” Its  just a small negotiation of playground time but nonetheless its a negotiation. 

We had a pretty easy time hiking. The paths are well defined and easy to navigate. The boys had a great time checking out the “scenic” parts of the paths. As well as, finding sticks along the way to use as hiking sticks or magic wands. 

An afternoon in the woods helps all of us. For me, it helps clear my mind. My creativity is sparked and so many ideas start flowing while I’m surrounded by nature. It also helps me feel more connected with my family.     

The boys benefit because they get to run, play and explore. I firmly believe that our kids need outdoor time everyday. Plus, I see some of the biggest developmental changes after a great day spent outside. 

The best help is the take away, which we don’t always see immediately but we know it’s there. The boys bring up memories from our adventures, often. Hearing them talk about the one time when they skipped rocks with dad or the place that we went to with this friend or when mom let us play in the water and we had to ride home in our wet clothes, makes me want to keep having these adventures with them. 

So, when the sun shines bright and the temperature is mild in the middle of winter you can bet that we will be outside somewhere taking it all in.