Family Outing

April 17th, 2008

We want to know about our readers! What are your adventures? If you’d like to contribute family stories or pictures about Nature For Kids send them to shawna@natureforkids.net

Jacobus Family - Costa Rica

Renfroe Family - Idaho

Miller Family - Idaho

Marcoccia Family - Utah

Marshall Family - Utah

Lynn Family - Nevada

Tyler, Vanessa, Abby and Cameron - Utah

Holly, Sammy and Jack - Arizona

Furniss Famly - Idaho

Making Outdoor Time A Priority

Submitted by Jinger Andreasen / St. Anthony, Idaho

Finding time to get the kids out is difficult. In the past I found myself waiting for the “right time” and guess what….it never came. Naps are always an issue, packing meals, and oh the whinning. But I decided that it was important to me to have active children, who not only love the outdoors, but are healthy and seek wholesome recreation, besides legos and transformers. It was the beginning of last summer when I made up my mind to give them the lifestyle I was wishing for, I was going to take them out and do something that was fun for them EVERYDAY…and I did it. There were seriously only one or two days when we just felt like staying home and vegging, and I didn’t feel guilty or sad afterwards. We read books and had a wonderful day, but the next day we were out and active. It was the best few months I’ve ever had. I am a strong advocate for getting my kids out daily, and not just out, but doing something THEY enjoy. It’s a lot of work moms, but every moment is worth it.

These pictures were taken on one of the hardest outdoor days we had last summer, my husband works very long hours and isn’t there for many of our adventures, but is supportive. I don’t exactly remember how long this hike was, but it seems like it was around 3 miles round trip. I had a jogging stroller because the kids were too big for any backpack, and I traded off pushing one and coaching one along the whole time. Just like anything else that requires a lot of work, it was totally worth it! We swam in a secret swimming hole (fully dressed), and had great snacks along the way. The kids were tired, but they loved it. I am planning on doing the same hike this year with the kids, I want it to be a tradition to do it every year. Spending time outdoors with my children has created a connection we never had before.