I {Heart} the Outdoors!

{All photos taken with my iPhone while on my evening walks}

Ever since I can remember, I have loved nature and the outdoors! I'm pretty sure I spent more time outside than I did inside. We rode bikes everywhere....to my best friend's house, to the grocery store, to the park, to our elementary school to play on the playground or daily checks before school started to see if our classroom lists were posted on the door yet. We walked everywhere! Nothing ever seemed impossible or too far! Played hopscotch. Fell down and skinned knees too many times I lost count. Took numerous trips up to 7 Dees or 7-Eleven getting beef jerky and bubble gum among other childhood treats we craved. Climbed trees and made forts. Found a fascination (sometimes) pouring salt on slugs. I know. I know. Not nice! Played with the hose or in the sprinkler. Swam in the pool. Played wall ball. Learned dance routines for upcoming talent shows. Played capture the flag with neighbor friends. Growing up in Oregon was fun and we as a family always found something to do. Usually we went camping, hiking and took a bazillion trips to the beach. Even today, after a long day with the kids, I looooooong to get out and be surrounded by beautiful and calm things. Water, birds chirping, sunsets, cool fresh breeze! It rejuvenates my soul and mind and I can't ever seem to get enough.

Some days when I can't get out, I daydream that I am out there. Sitting under a tree reading a book or taking in what's around me. My windows always get cracked open so I can also feel connected to life outside. I get my kids out there as much as possible so they too can find a love to be around God's creation. To let them run and play and enjoy life. It makes me incredibly happy seeing them happy!! I don't know, maybe it's selfish of me, but on days I desperately need some fresh air, I take them outside. Maybe it's not so selfish really. I see it more as a win-win. When they're cranky and I'm about to lose my mind, I drag them outside and more often than not, their mood (and mine) is back to their happy selves again. Being outside makes our family happy!

Now we just need to get out and explore Germany some more! (And there is SO much we haven't seen yet.) Germany reminds me so much of home so aside from friends and family not living close by, I feel at home here. Which is a blessing really. I miss home.

Today is the first day of Spring! :) I am beyond thrilled that warmer days are now creeping up on us and I'm sooooo excited to start taking more family walks again and cooking more meals out on the grill! Yum!