1000 Hours Outside

 

Last year, we participated in 1000 Hours Outside, and we are doing it again this year. Truthfully, we will reach that time well before the end of the year. Playing and exploring outdoors isn’t just a parenting trend for us. It’s simply how I was raised, and I want my children to experience that gift. 

The first decade of my life was spent exploring the woods, creeks, and ponds that surrounded my house. I was truly outdoors from sunrise until after sunset. If I wasn’t home, I was hiking, swimming, fishing, or “touring” our state with my dad and nephew. The second decade of my life was spent riding my horse. Almost all of my favorite childhood memories involve being outside. 

Parenting kids these days is a whole new ballgame! While I fully believe in the benefits of technology, I think free play and exploring the outdoors is every bit as important. There can easily be a good balance between outdoor play and exercise and electronics and technology!

An Earth Day Adventure

The craziest things always happen to us, but at least we have great stories to tell!

Yesterday, Grant, Lily, Liam, and I headed to a nearby park to go for a walk.  It was warm and sunny, so we thought getting outside for Earth Day was a good idea!

We noticed some dark clouds in the distance, but figured we had plenty of time to complete the 1.3 mile loop.  WRONG.  As we reached the top of a big hill, the wind began blowing so hard that it took our breath away.  Our clothes and hair were blowing around like crazy, and the ominous clouds were rapidly approaching.



At the bottom of the hill, we heard the first sounds of thunder. We knew we had to get to shelter, and our only option was to sprint across a huge field, toward a pavilion far off in the distance.  I wrapped my hoodie around Liam, who was in the Baby Bjorn, and took off through the field, in an attempt to beat the storm. Grant popped a wheelie with Lily's jogging stroller and took off next to me. 

It truly felt like a race against time.  The storm was directly over us, and all I could picture was lightning striking!

Fortunately, we were only a few feet away from the pavilion when the hail came down.  We sat down at the picnic tables inside, completely out of breath, and completely relieved that we made it just in time!  See those trees in the distance?  That's where we were!



Lily thought the entire ordeal was hilarious and Liam didn't care one bit!





We huddled together and watched as the rain poured down.



The storm passed in less than 5 minutes and the sun came back out.  We continued on our way...to the car, because we didn't want to get stuck in another storm!

Nothing says Happy Earth Day like getting caught in a Spring storm in the middle of the woods!

A Taste of Spring-Wordless Wednesday

 
Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Snow Much Fun!

We had what was hopefully our last snowstorm yesterday! 

I do love snowstorms, as long as I'm safe inside my house and have nowhere to go, but I am so ready for Spring!

I wasn't quite sure if we were going to get all the snow they predicted.  When I went to bed just before midnight on Tuesday, all was calm and clear.  At 5 AM, my phone rang, letting me know that school was canceled for the day. 

I looked out the window and it was as if we were in the middle of a snow globe.  It was beautiful and eerie at the same time.  There is something so magical about being (safely) in the midst of a storm.

Grant attempted to go to work, but ended up turning around and returning home.  By 9:30 AM, we had 8 inches of snow! 

It looked so beautiful outside, but I didn't make it out in time to take pictures of all the trees weighed down by snow. 

Around noon, the kids bundled up and ran outdoors.  I went out to snap a few pictures of the kids in action.  By that point, half of the snow had already melted and it was warm outside!  The sun was so bright you could barely see. Before long, the kids took off their hats and gloves, and still complained about feeling too warm!

They had a great time trudging through the snow, sledding, and building a snowman!




















We all had fun enjoying winter's last hurrah!!!

The Cure for Cabin Fever

We have reached that part of winter where the weather is just getting old.  We need sun and warmth and fresh air!  We are all starting to feel cooped up indoors.

Today, Dylan had his Valentine's Day party at school.  I was one of the parents in charge of the party.  I had high hopes to take pictures of the festivities, but wrangling a classroom full of excited 2nd graders at the end of the day is HARD work!

Dylan had a great time and was thrilled that I was there, so that's all that matters. A picture of him, after the party, with his Valentine's Day box filled with treats is the only documentation we have.



Dylan was allowed to leave school with me, which meant he was able to leave a half hour early.  On the way to pick up his sisters, he suggested a trip to the park.  I agreed that it was a good idea!

So off we went, despite the gray sky and 30 degree weather.

The kids just wanted...and needed...to run and play!  And despite a small incident of Lexie falling down a dirt pile, they had a great time!












They happily played until the sky opened up and dropped gigantic snowflakes on our heads.



A trip to the park was just what they needed!

Come on, Spring!  We're ready for you!