they get away from me…
summer mornings and my kids.
Even before I realize it’s happening.
Usually, during the summer I let everyone sleep in….including me. I love it when summer gets close. As the last days of school tick away I imagine the days that will follow. The happy late morning slumbering that will be mine for the taking. Mmmm….that is something to look forward to…
As I dreamed of blissful sleeping in, I realized that my summer mornings get away from me…and so does prime time with my kids. It wasn’t fun to realize this. On both counts.
That meant that I wouldn’t be luxuriating in late morning slumber and that the truth was…I really wasn’t making the most of the best time of the day with my kids.
My kids are usually up early. Even in the summer time. (except my 15-year-old who has discovered the joys of sleeping in)
Here in the South the only time to be outside is in the early morning and the late evening. Unless you are swimming. The only reason you would go outside in the middle of the day is to be doused in water…that would be: sweat (bathing in your own dripping sweat) or a cool pool’s H2O.
I shared my idea of early morning adventures with my kids…fun that would start and end before the day became unbearable. Trekking up hiking trails, to lakes, parks we’ve never been to, creeks to play in, bike rides, and picnics to have under trees would be our adventure laden mornings.
At first they all complained that it would feel like school because they would have to get up so early.
But now, when I let them sleep in because of a previous late night they are immediately by my bed asking, “What about our morning adventure?”
A morning adventure:
6am: I get up and walk (sometimes with Grace and Emma), pray, read something that inspires me
6:45am: Wake up the kids and gather our breakfast supplies.
7am: Load our van with blankets, pillows, breakfast, footballs, etc.
7:05am: Hit the road for our adventure
7-9am: Adventuring/Breakfast-Forge trails we haven’t hiked before, visit parks not explored, enjoy breakfast picnics in new places, splash in creeks that are undiscovered
9:30: Arrive home for a late morning/early afternoon being at home, reading, chores, playing, creating, and other fun things (although ‘chores’ may not be classified as fun).
Each morning is something different. There have been days when we’ve not been able to get out the door or nights before have been midnight bedtimes. On those days we have lazy, lounge around the house mornings.
Most days, though, we really enjoy starting off with an adventure. I feel like a fun mom and the kids don’t wonder if we’re ever going to do ‘something’ today. We laugh, get out of the house, enjoy nature, and play all before 10am.
2 Comments
You inspire me to no end, Davina. I love this idea! I was just thinking today that it’s a bummer that our day doesn’t really get started until it’s too hot to go outside.
What great fun Davina. I would love to be there for those fun times!!!! Love, Mother