Of course the inspiration behind this post are those 2 adorable smiling faces that seem to melt everyone’s heart, but their momma’s…hey remember I deal with 24/7 and I know the truth behind their smile!

I like many other mommas’ tired of the whining, the fighting, climbing over the clutter, and managing to balance the check book in the middle of it. Today I am going to share 7 outdoor activities, that I have or plan to do, that are simple, make you giggle, and will enlighten your kiddos to the simple things in life…of course remember folks I am not educated in psychology, I am educated in being free-spirited, and fun loving!

Dance In the RAIN- yes folks that sounds like a fairytale, a romance movie, or something you see on TV, but you know what break out the umbrellas, wear rain boots with shorts, and if you’re going to get wet you might as well add in the garden hose.

Chase Fireflies- I remember as a little girl carrying momma’s glass pickle jar with hole punched in the lid and filling it full of fireflies. I have never taken the time to chase fireflies with Dillard and Celesse, so this summer we will spend many evenings chasing fireflies.

Crawdad Fishing- I was asked this week what my favorite kind of fishing was, well we know from my fly-fishing lessons, and many of hilarious attempts to an outdoors woman that I am a very unique outdoors woman…or well a total ding bat! Well last week we all headed to what was supposed to be a day of fishing, but guess what we ended up digging under the rocks with a couple of new friends and finding Crawdads. Not sure, what Crawdads are good for, but we sure enjoyed catching them.

Watch the Farmers- As I drove through Delta, MO last week I hear from the backseat of my car “momma, STOP THE CAR” huh? “Momma, I wanna see that tractor work!” I take advantage of the fact that I grew up on a working farm, surrounded by tractors, big equipment, and real animals; my kids on the other hand have lived a mostly town life and are fascinated by the farming life. Next time you see one of those giant tractors plowing the fields, harvesting crops, stop, and watch.

Jump in Mud Puddles- yes folks I have found a new love for playing in the mud, okay well I hate cleaning up the mess, it is just annoying, but I have discovered that Mud is good for the soul, and is not bad on the body….so take some time to play in the mud.

Dig for WORMS- I remember years ago when my dad would take me creek fishing we would go out in the yard find the nastiest piece of wood, lift it up, dig for big slimy worms. I proudly carry around my tin can filled full of dirt and worms climbing out of the top of it. Those moments are PRICELESS, and I seriously doubt I can get my dad to go dig worms with me today….By the way those worms are good for fishing!

Plant a Garden- I know people laugh when they see my sad garden, but I love my little garden, but for the past 3 years I have planted my garden and loved watching the plants grow with my kids. Now I must warn you if you have an obnoxious dog like our Wheeler, they are NOT good with gardens! Just a tip, those worms you dig are good for your garden!

While these simple activities that take only seconds to do, they can also be perfect memory makers, and important learning opportunities. Do you know why worms are important, do you know how long it takes lettuce to grow from seed to your plate, do you know what makes fireflies glow…well I don’t either, but I am taking these moments to find out!

May you all have an Adventurous Day!

~Becky