"The Great Outdoors"

Don't let the title of this post deceive you; we have not been camping or on an intense hike or anything recently ;P But I did get asked by more than 1 person this week about how I keep my sanity. Aside from waking up early to have some quiet time on my own with God and continuing my daily running (more like jogging), our outdoor time (by "our" I mean me and Aindréas, and my husband as well in the times when he is able to join us on weekends or weeknights) has been absolutely essential. I don't know what it is, but whenever we are outside, the sunshine or the vitamin D or just being out with nature dispels all the tantrums, all frustrations, all the craziness... it's good for the soul!

The outdoors are great; being outside is great! We've been visiting local parks at off-peak hours (though I do recognize that not  all readers may feel comfortable in terms of risk level with going to playgrounds). One day we were driving in a nearby town and saw this park that looked really fun, so naturally we had to stop and check it out!

Of course since there the letter board, Silly Bean was enthralled 😁 He practiced climbing as well and sliding down the slide "all by my own." We had so much fun, of course we had to go back again!

(had to visit the letter board again of course!)

We've been "getting our exercise" every day--taking walks outside, practicing the balance bike, blowing bubbles or drawing with chalk in front of our house, playing in the kiddie pool, going to gardens or taking nature walks/mini-hikes. Also, sometimes I'll just bring random things to our back deck just so we can be outside playing them. Silly Bean was really into popping this bubble wrap the other day so I just put it over the fence, and Silly Bean had a great time popping bubbles after we ate dinner outside.

I think bringing things outside to play is a great way to enjoy the nice weather before the weather gets colder and the days get shorter!

Then last night we ran out during a storm and got to see a rainbow in the sky--Silly Bean's first rainbow, apparently! It was a sweet moment together as a family and just reminded me to delight in the simple things!

What outdoor activities have you been enjoying with your kid(s) lately? Feel free to comment and share!