I told the kids on Thursday morning that if they finished all of the homeschool work before lunch, we’d go somewhere special for a picnic.  They did.  So we did.  And it was glorious.  The weather was amazing, albeit a little windy.  The sun was so warm though, and we were comfortable enough to take off our jackets.  After lunch they ran, explored, ran, and explored more.  They were in heaven.  And I loved watching them freely go wherever they wanted.  Ok actually I told them they could go wherever they wanted within my eyesight.  Gotta play it safe.  But I could see pretty far with the open spaces, and they felt free.  We even got the opportunity to take a quick tour of the mansion on the property.  It dates back to 1790 and wow, it was spectacular.

It was such a nice day.  There’s something incredibly peaceful and freeing about being in nature and letting the kids run around without worry.  I explored a lot as a child but we don’t have an area to do that near our house now.  I don’t want them to be constantly cooped up without the ability to experience God’s creation.  Fortunately a short drive will get us to a bunch of places where they can do that though.  There’s much learning to be had during the non-learning hours, isn’t there?  I love seeing them electronic-free, outdoors, experiencing life in nature.  Just being kids.  It’s glorious.  And good for my heart too.