Welcome to Day 1:
"31 Days of Exploring God's Creation"
(I'm really glad you're here)
Getting the family out for an up close and personal experience with
nature is one of our passions. Whether we are sitting around a camp
fire, watching the sunset, or intently observing a spider as she weaves
an intricate web- we never cease to be amazed at the
handiwork of our Creator!
(photo from a family wilderness camping trip in 2008)
Spending time in the great outdoors together as a family has brought
us closer to each other, the natural world around us,
and the One who created it all.
As a homeschool family, it has been a source of information that has
helped us foster a love of learning in our three boys.
When I was growing up- I spent most of my time outside running wild
and free, playing in the woods and around the neighborhood.
There was no end to the adventures I found near the Wekiva River along
the outskirts of Orlando.
I was out early, and home late; sweaty and tired from a day filled with
wonder and creativity.
My brother, sister and I -along with a pack of neighborhood children -
built rafts and made fishing poles. We tracked animals in the woods and
raced bicycles along the trails. We were explorers.
These days of course, it's no longer safe in most areas for kids
to run wild and free.
It broke my heart to think that my children would have to miss
out on such creativity until I realized that what this really meant
was that my husband and I would just have to relive those
adventures and bring the boys along.
And, thus began our trek back to nature;
out into the wild world on the search for adventure.
For the next 31 days I'll be sharing ideas for getting your family outside,
how and what to do when you get there, and why it's a good idea.
Reason #1 - Some of my favorite memories from childhood are of those
spent in the great outdoors and especially the ones with my whole family.
Nature is awe inspiring
it's a memorable experience to share it with the ones you love most.
You don't have to live at the beach to share a walk in the evening.
-Ok, it helps;
but sand and shore is NOT a requirement.
I remember a happy satisfied feeling as a young girl when
our family headed out the door for an after dinner stroll.
We held hands as we walked through the neighborhood.
It was a simple thing.
It's also one of my favorite memories and
it didn't involve a beach, or even cost a dime!
Even if you only have a few minutes to spare,
it's a wonderful thing to do.
We like to look for birds. Sometimes we try to see who can
be the quietest and who can spot them first or get the closest.
Other times, we aren't quiet at all as we laugh at the boys racing
around. But, we are never ever sorry we went.
Have you taken the family outside for a walk lately?
I bet your children will look back some day and remember it fondly.
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9 comments:
What a great idea for a series! I can't wait to see the rest of the posts!
Your children are lucky to have such a nice mommy!
Thank you for the add, Kelli! I've just done the same. Oh, btw, I was raised in the mountains where walking was a daily gift. It's wonderful to share this w/your children!
What a great reminder to be intentional about being outside. I also have great memories of being free outside and feel sad that my kids can't experience the same thing! Looking forward to following along!
Amy @ Missional Mama
I'm a nature lover too! I can't wait to read all about your nature adventures and tips! We actually went on a nature walk today! There's a nature center in the north part of the city with several great trails winding around the area - it's awesome! :)
Thanks for the reminder on the importance of enjoying all that nature has to offer...free entertainment too! We went camping every summer and those are some of my favorite childhood memories! I'll definitely be working to get both of my girls out to enjoy nature more often!
I spent a good part of my childhood outside too, Kelli. We try to get the kids outside as much as possible. We're fortunate that we live within an hour of the mountains in one direction, and the ocean in the other! Can wait to read your series!
I am so sorry it's taken me this long to get over here! I can't WAIT to read the rest of the posts, even if I have to read them all at once! :)
I'm trying to get up enough nerve to go camping with my son and husband, but I'm such a girly girl I can't stand bugs...and living in North Mississippi, we have bugs year-round! LOL!
Great pictures lady! Makes me feel like I'm standing there. Thanks for linking up to BIG Family Friday. :)
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