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There are some moments that I wish I could just slow down or put on pause. Between all of the bickering and hollering from the kids – it can wear me out. But with summertime approaching generally comes better spirits as the days are longer and there is more leisure time for their freedom.
In the summer there seems to be more moments when they are all getting along and playing nicely together. It’s those moments where I have a huge sigh of relief and know that I must be doing something right. These moments are truly a mother’s bliss.
You see, every moment becomes a memory, and I want my kids to look back someday and remember all of the little things – not just the big milestones.
Summer Simplicity
Some of my favorite memories growing up were of my sister and I exploring the great outdoors in the summer. We’d roam on our property playing pretend, jumping out of swings, laying in the sun eating warm blackberries by a tiny creek, and smelling the lilacs and wild roses blooming.
Occasionally we’d create little picnics in our yard and feast. It wouldn’t be anything fancy or even traditional, but we’d still gather little meals and place everything on our blankets and bask in the sunshine. Our favorite parts of these little picnics of course were the summer goodies we ate – and ice cream was usually our favorite.
The funny thing is now that I’m a mom it’s those same moments – the moments when my children are having picnics and exploring the great unknown – those are my new memories in the making. I’ll grumble at them when I see them drag another blanket outside or pack 4 pillows out when I told them one, but inside I’m happily reliving my childhood – and longing to go back to those days of summer simplicity.
They’ll ask me to make them their favorite foods for lunch, like Jack’s Pizza (which is actually quick and easy to cook right on the grill), then they will give me big puppy dog eyes because they know I’ve got a stash of Nestle DrumStick Crunch Dipped Cones in the freezer for a treat afterwards. You can find both of these items at Walmart in the freezer sections and they are perfect to stock up on for those special kid picnics.
Don’t always let your adult judgement create more chaos and arguments. Let them have fun sometimes. The blankets will get dirty, the clothes will be covered in ice cream, and you’ll be doing extra laundry later – but trust me. These memories will outlast anything else.
These little picnics and childhood traditions are priceless.
8 comments
So beautiful that we can finally get outside in the nice weather! Picnics are so fun! #client
Oh what precious pictures. I love this, a picnic is always so special and the children are fabulous. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.
Oh I love this! So awesome to get out and create some amazing memories with easy foods! #client
My kids and I have always loved backyard picnics! And cooking pizza on the grill is so perfect for hot summer days. Great pictures!
I so agree! I am so glad the weather has gotten lovely. I love capturing special moments with my camera. Kids need to get dirty and play like kids. I never thought about grilling a pizza. I definitely want to try this.
Hey Melissa,
This looks like so much fun. I love that warm weather brings back those wonderful memories. Your kids look like they were having fun. This looks like fun. Thanks so much for sharing with Wednesday's Adorned From Above Link Party.
Debi and Charly
Thank you for linking up to the Hearts for Home blog hop last week. Your post has been selected to feature on the Family Themed Hearts for Home blog hop post over at Monsters Ed. Please remember to grab our "I was featured" button to feature on your post.
http://www.monstersed.co.za/2014/05/08/hearts-home-blog-hop-38-family/
I love this idea and it brought back great memories of being a kid and putting a blanket in the back yard. We would bring our dolls out and have picnics … such fun.
Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!
Cheers,
Kathy Shea Mormino
The Chicken Chick
http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com