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Getting outdoors more with your family
December 2, 2009
My husband fondly remembers our pre-marriage days when he could move from apartment to apartment by simply packing his life possessions in the back of his Honda hatchback. 15 years, a mortgage and three kids later the same can't be said!
Unfortunately, the multiplying stuff that comes with family life isn't just true about moving residences but is often true about packing up and going anywhere - the beach, for a hike, a family vacation. And even if all you want is a weekend hike now and then it seems by the time the gear is planned and packed you're already tired out.
Something as basic and beautiful as experiencing the great outdoors together as a family shouldn't be so challenging that you don't even want to try. And it's not just the gear you think you need that is intimidating. Even more difficult can be trying to work around family schedules. So even if you can figure out what to pack it seems your childrens' (and maybe partner's) time commitments are conspiring against your goals.
But the physical, spiritual, emotional, and especially relational rewards of family adventures are too great to pass up. If it seems your schedule is too busy, you don't know where to start or the only way to get to the outdoors is with a minivan, stuffed to the gills with all the "necessities" (pulling a trailer to boot) I hope you'll read on and reconsider.
while Daddy heats up green tea for lunch
Well friends at this point you are going to have to visit my guest post at Zen Family Habits to find out more. (tee, hee...) Posting today at Zen Family is a big thrill for me. This is only my second guest post, my first being tips for less kid clutter at Small Notebook, a favorite blog of mine. But I do hope you'll click through and read more about getting outdoors with your family. Especially if you're one of those who has asked me in the past "how do you do this?" Is it a lot of work to make family outdoor adventures a priority? Yes. Is it worth it? I'd answer yes, in a heartbeat. If it's not for you, that's fine; but if you are wanting to know how you might make it work in your family I encourage you read my guest post and also check out ADVENTUREinPROGRESS, our family's "outdoorsy" blog. And that folks is about all the self promotion I can stomach in one sitting. Get outdoors, have some fun, 'nough said.
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nicola@which name? on Dec. 2, 2009, 8:54 p.m.
i have to come back and read this later, but TANTI AUGURI! BUON COMPLEANNO! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, my dear friend, renee! nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com
nicola@which name?'s last blog post... corner view: corners of my home
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kyndale on Dec. 3, 2009, 12:06 a.m.
Cute kids! Great advice and I too think, without a doubt, getting outdoors with the family is so important!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY RENEE!!
xo Kyndale
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Denise on Dec. 3, 2009, 2:35 a.m.
oh, that post was AWESOME! loved it.
It wouldn't be right though not to wish you Happy Birthday too!
hope you enjoyed it
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Jenn on Dec. 3, 2009, 6:02 a.m.
Golly, we are always outdoors...I have found simple ways to reduce the stress of it. We just have fun and sometimes there are mishaps and wild adventures,but that's all part of the fun! :0)
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kate on Dec. 3, 2009, 1:41 p.m.
I wished you early birthdays, and late birthdays-- how did I miss wishing you an actual Happy Birthday;)???
Yay for the guest post-- while we spend a whole lot of time outdoors, sometimes the work it takes to get there is so darn exhausting:)
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renee on Dec. 3, 2009, 2:03 p.m.
tell me about it, but it gets easier as your littles get bigger. Now we can say "pack your bags for a hike" and they can (almost) get all their gear together.
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New Urban Habitat on Dec. 3, 2009, 5:09 p.m.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I'm looking forward to reading your post at Zen Habits. You take such beautiful photographs! (And Happy Birthday!)
Abby @ New Urban Habitat's last blog post... 10 Ways to Change Your Life
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Jody on Dec. 2, 2009, 5:29 p.m.
Totally un-related to post: "Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday DEAR Renee..... Happy Birthday to YOU!" Lots of love, hugs and birthday blessings, from my heart to yours. Enjoy your day! I know you have a 'date night' to celebrate your birthday this weekend with Damien....but it wouldn't surprise me to hear that the girls perhaps attempted to cook you a birthday meal? tea in bed perhaps? I'm sur ethe day will be full of pleasant, unexpected surprises. xox Jody