A lesson from Katmai (and Other Beloved Dogs)

We are proud dog-owners.

 Katmai (named after my very favorite National Park in Alaska) is a yellow lab, 7 years old, and full of "loyal lab traits".  He will do anything to chase a ball, hates being left at home, happily bikes with us, is best-behaved on the trail, loves the boys (usually) and has a tendency to drive me crazy with his neediness for the outdoors and activity with us.

I was thinking this weekend that we would all be a lot better off if we could follow a lead like Katmai's.  We would always feel like a long run, would just be happy with the simple things like playing and eating, and would know how to love with no limitations.

As humans, we have a innate tendency to be lazy to an extent (at least if we are well-formed by our American society.)  We will do anything we can to get what we want, and get it now (with the least amount of effort possible.)  And yet, we (meaning Americans, in the most general of terms) are suffering immensely from that instant-gratification motivation.

The Kids are Driving Me NUTS!

Confession: The kids (mine plus two extra) were driving me crazy today.

Our home is small, but fits us well. While an extra playroom would be nice, we love the fact that the space constrictions require us to stay closer as a family (there is no hiding!) It also naturally pushes us outside even more for a little extra room to breathe.

Today the house felt REALLY small (it is shocking really how many toys three kids under 4 can get out in a matter of 20 minutes.) I certainly had my own agenda (confession again) and it did not involve picking up toys a hundred times and breaking up quarrels.

 And then it hit me: GET THEM OUTSIDE. You would think I would have this down by now, but for some reason today it was not the first solution I thought of. Also, the extra kids had come without any outdoor clothing at all (a big "no, no" at our house because there is no way they will be here longer than 2 hours and not be out there!) So, we rounded up what we could and dealt with camo gloves on girls and too small coats.

It made all the difference. Yes, for them too. :) My mood improved, Stressed Mama went away and we all joined in the fun. Because, you see - I didn't just shoo them outside; I went with them. Monkey See, Monkey Do, right? How could I expect my children to enjoy being out there when they saw it as me just getting rid of them and then continuing my own agenda?

Disclaimer: Yes, I know there are times when you just CAN'T be out there every moment.  I feel particularly inclined to do so because of the fact our play area is not fenced, and I would prefer to keep all kids out of the way of traffic. 

But, my point is this: Our kids follow what they see us do. If we want to raise children with a love of the outdoors, they need to see us love it too. Every day. Not just when it is a special trip or convenient.

Join in this week and get outside. With your kids. Amazing discoveries are made out there!

The Active Kids Club and Polarn O. Pyret have joined up this week and are challenging you to get outside.  Join them (and us!) *Click on the button above or here to read about it in my Monday post about moonlit skiing*

Moonlit Ski Adventures + Challenge

We love getting outside as a family and we do it every day (I feel like a broken record, but in case you haven't heard it before, we have a "15 minute" rule.  Even in the worst conditions, we are outside with our kids 15 minutes a day.)

I think that it is really easy to get stuck in the box of what you DO outside.  Go to the park, go on a run (and keep kids occupied in a stroller,) go hiking, go skiing, go on a nature walk.  Whatever your family does best is what you do most.  All of these things are wonderful and are certainly nothing to discredit.  However, sometimes we just need to try something new and challenge our minds, bodies and spirits (and those of our children) to keep our experiences exciting and fresh.

One thing that we love to do occasionally (and so wish we could do more) are moon-lit ski adventures.  Husband and I actually took a moonlit ski on our second date (is that trust, or what?!?!) Now we bundle the kids up in the Chariot, bring our headlamps as back up, and venture out on the trail (or not...)  It is amazing how a trail or scenery that is so familiar in the day time can be so different at night.

And yes, sometimes that different can be a little scary.  You of course have to take precautions.  We go slower and enjoy our surroundings, we pack extra extra gear, water, and food, and we make sure to make noise so we don't startle any 4-legged furry animal out on his own moonlit trek.  We are usually on familiar trails (especially at night.)

Posing where we had taken a picture two years prior on our second date!

This winter with two kids (and one old enough to appreciate the adventure) we are excited to explore outside in different ways.  We believe in appreciating nature in ALL its forms (darkness included) and develop a respect (including the safety aspect) for that in our kids.  Now all we need is some SNOW! :)

This week over at Active Kids Club, they have teamed up with Polarn O. Pyret, to encourage families to get outside EVERY day this week with the "Every Day is Play Day Week."


Here's the challenge:
As a parent and educator. Like both Polarn O. Pyret and ActiveKidsClub.com Facebook pages and during the week of Novemeber 14th - 19th share your fun ideas with us on how you embrace the elements. Get deals, win prizes and participate in chats on how we can best embrace the elements with some fun outdoor play ideas.


If you are an educator let us know how you get your kids outside at your school for recess or how you incorporate outdoor learning in your curriculum.


Don't miss this incredible opportunity.  Yes, it is a challenge and may not be easy, but your kids will thank you for it! (and YOU will be a better person because of it!)