Get out

After we came home from vacation we realized we need to get out more. During the school year it seems there is always something going on, or some reason that we don't get out and enjoy where we are. There really is so much that we can do and see right here in our own "backyard."
So- if it is to be ... then we have to actually leave our house.
Sometimes it seems more effort than its worth to get everyone to go to the bathroom, get water bottles, get to the car, buckle everyone, run back inside for something, leave the house, stop and run back for something else.
But once we go, we are always so glad we did.

On vacation, it was no big deal to get everyone going, probably because I was on a vacation mindset.
I have to continue to think that way, and let time go. Let go of the time frame for a bit. I wrote about carrying that vacation mindset with us into our everyday routines.

So last monday 6/16, friday 6/20, and then this monday 6/23 we did it. We all got out and did something.
Last monday after taking Jay out for his fathers day dinner we went downtown to the myriad gardens. We only spent an hour walking around, but the kids had such a great time exploring, and discovering.
We were surprised at how cool it felt down by the water, and that we felt so alone. We had the place to ourselves. The kids played on the water stage, and performed one of their favorites for us.

Friday we went to Route 66 park. We all went out there for thanksgiving when Tucker was just a few months old. This is the first time we had all been back together. (with the exception of Savanna Kate- she was at a birthday party) It was more developed than when we had been there before. Jay and Jack took a long walk around the park, and the surrounding ponds. We took our little neighbor friend for Luke to play with, and they kept each other very busy. Tucker and I took turns following each other around. Then we blew bubbles.

I was amazed that it was not really hot, there was a cool breeze, and not really buggy out.So nice to get out on a Friday night.

Then for this last Monday night.
I wanted to go to Will Rogers Park, but the family won with going to Lake Hefner.
It was another wonderful evening out.
Now don't misunderstand.
There was still the normal bickering, & work of loading everyone up.
But it was worth it.

We went to stars and stripes park,

played on all the play structures

This is our family's portrait for the night. Six members. Three shadows and three physical bodies.

Walked over by the lake. Savanna thought these geese would make a lovely photo.Flew Luke's kite. Drove over to the lighthouse and walked out to it.Tried to sing a song. Savanna gave a message about pedigree charts. We saw someone get engaged.
We laughed together. and even had a few of the kids cry.

Again- it was another night out that felt remarkably cool, and not buggy.