Sunday, August 23, 2009

Weekend Fun

We are wrapping up a full, FUN weekend of family adventures. Saturday morning we went fishing in a friend's nearby pond. We caught a lot of big catfish and little brim.

Today we attended our church's annual picnic at a nearby Summer camp. The children had a wonderful time spreading their wings and trying new things. From the swing over the lake (all three tried it with Daddy) to the water slide (2/3 went for it).
They giggled, they swam, they ran and used outside voices. They also were frightened, they faced fears, they stood a little taller as big kids chanted their names and shouted encouragement as they tried something new. We experienced new things together and watched their confidence grow.

As I looked back at the pictures today I realized again that THIS is what it is all about. There are many things that I hope to impart to my children, but one I have probably never articulated is my desire for them to enjoy life to the full...not a synthetic, commercialized, cookie cutter suburban way...but a fresh air, relational, old fashioned, unplugged-fun kind of life.
These are the moments that inspire growth in our children in a way that manufactured experiences or classroom lessons never could.

11 comments:

a portland granny said...

I've been following your blog for a couple of years and have enjoyed it so much. Today, as I looked at your pics of the kiddos with their Daddy, I can see that they are really growing!! They were so little and now they are looking like school kids--no babies here!

And I think your idea of letting them explore their world is wonderful. My children had a family farm where they experienced so many adventures that their peers did not get to experience. (we didn't live on the farm, only visited often to our Uncle)

Children were made to explore and stretch their limits--so glad yours are getting those experiences. They look like little "free spirits"! They are adorable!! They always look so crisp and put together--I love that!

Kris said...

You are so right, I love the way you expressed this and I couldn't agree more! You are a wonderful mom.

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

Your kids are beautiful, I'm so glad I found your blog recently! I'm from the Atlanta area but do not live there anymore. I"m not sure if y'all still live in the area or not, but we are there often since my family still lives there! It's nice to follow you and I LOVE your encouraging words!!

Sincerely,

Katie

The one girl said...

It is so fun to read posts about your kids.. So often you are writing about things we've experienced in the last six months or so. (My oldest son will be six in a month.) Makes me smile to remember how thrilling these things were for us too! Glad you had such an awesome weekend.

Christi said...

I couldn't agree more. I love being able to give my boys these kinds of experiences!

Amy @ Living Locurto said...

Looks like some great memories are being made! What a fun weekend. Thanks for sharing:-)

Unknown said...

Just saw your sweet profile picture on the LPM blog and had to come say how precious it is!

Have a blessed day!

Amy said...

Excellent. I couldn't agree more. What fun!

Love Being A Nonny said...

Happy, wholesome, fulfilled. Ahh...what a sweet childhood.

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Bethany said...

You are teaching your children how to have wonderful old-fashioned fun-- I wish more families nowadays would learn from you!! :)