We live in a great part of the world!
One of the advantages of living where we are, in regional NSW, Australia, is that you can spend time outdoors whatever the season. The weather doesn’t get too extreme here.
It’s mid winter here at the moment, and we’re experiencing temperatures down to -4°C (25°F) overnight, but daytime temperatures reach 10° – 16°C, meaning that if you can stay in the sun and out of the wind, it’s quite pleasant.
This set up the perfect day to have the grandkids over for the day recently. Their parents were both working, so we invited the young ones to hang out with us.
We mowed the longer grass and tidied up the yard together, then I chopped the wood for a campfire. The kids played on the swings and made mud pies while I lit a camp fire and cooked lunch.
While lunch was cooking, they painted pictures on large sheets of paper and hung them out to dry.
Afternoon tea was fresh fruit and chocolate mud cake muffins. A quick tidy up and it was off to meet their parents.
I guess it doesn’t sound too exciting, but we had eight hours together, and they hardly went near a screen.
They got to enjoy time outside, and played with the dog as well.
Kids can usually amuse themselves if they are given the means, and spending time in the outdoors is good for their health.
I’m a believer in extended family, and doing chores but still having fun with them was also a learning experience. Life happens along with the daily routine.
My family has lived in this area for over five generations, and days spent like this are vital for building memories that last.