I am happy to report a successful weekend with the 30-Day Outdoor Challenge. We did really cool stuff!

It all began with a camp out in our backyard. We had a bonfire, ate s'mores and read stories in the tent. It was a gorgeous night --- nice and cool and no bugs! We could hear an owl hooting and saw bats flying around, which is probably why there were no bugs!

On Saturday, we all went to Nana and Pop Pops house which is on a small lake. It was a gorgeous day that began with canoeing, fishing for Bluegills and playing on a playground, and ended with lunch at Nana and Pop Pop's and a chocolate Popsicle. How can you beat it?

My five-year-old daughter touched a fish for the first time! I was thrilled that she wanted to touch it after her Dad and I helped her catch one. I taught her how by being gentle and stroking along the grain of its scales. She said, "she is beautiful, Mommy." This year's first catch was different than prior years. Last year the fish was "gross." When she was three, it scared her. This year she enjoyed fishing and asking about a million questions about what fish eat, where they live, how they breath, etc. I was challenged to correctly answer them all! We even saw teeny tiny baby fish, which she was mesmerized by. It has been amazing watching her interest and desire to learn about nature blossom.


On Sunday, we traveled to visit my parents who live near the beach. That evening we went beach combing and played in the sand. There were all kinds of interesting things washed up on the beach. We found tons of Kelp and all different kinds of seaweed. Shells and rocks galore were scattered everywhere and were perfect for throwing in the waves. We had a rock throwing contest and my little son had a blast! It was his first time...so cute. He is almost two and is exploring everything. It's these moments I want to always remember.

That night, the kids were exhausted and fell asleep within minutes of putting their heads on the pillow. That's one thing about the outdoors, kids wear themselves out so much, Mom and Dad are guaranteed a peaceful evening!

My Dad gave my daughter a fishing tackle box yesterday as a preschool graduation present. Can you imagine? It's not the typical present, especially for my princess-loving, ballet-dancing daughter. But she was thrilled! She was most interested in the bobbers, hooks, etc. that he gave her to put in it. He gave my son his first ball to kick around the hard. Just the fact that it was his and his alone put a wide smile on his face! Gosh, I love the fact that my parents raised me to love the outdoors and that they are encouraging the same with my children.

It is supposed to rain and thunder this entire week. Getting outside over the next couple of days is really going to be tough. Stay tuned as I figure out how to stick with the challenge and find ways to get outside even in the worst of weather. This could get interesting!