Last Day of Play

This was the last day that the kids and I would get to hang out before they went back to school.  We decided to go to Exploration place and do a little exploring!  As a mom of 5, I sometimes have to be more "business" than I like.  And I don't mean "business, job, type", I mean the "'I mean business!' mom".  I sometimes joke that I have to keep on my toes, cause once they realize they out number me, it's all over with! lol.  Similar to a prison guard and the inmates.  And yes, I did just compare my kids to inmates. HA!  So, today, I put on my boots and went to play!  I told Juli to put on her play clothes too, cause this was not gonna be a sit-on-the-side-lines type of day!  She is a teenager, you know? She was down.  We went.  And we had an amazing time! Played, laughed and forgot all the rules.  I took some photos with my phone to share.  So, here is what we did...

 

 We rode horses.  We were very peaceful, as you can see.  Then, mommy got a time out.  This was quite fun for the kids!   

 Haanah, who is the wildest wild child, went fishing and then played in the water.

Love her funny faces!!  She is so animated in everything she does.  

 

This was so fun!  We played on the seesaw.  Haanah and I on one side, Juli, Bella and Jack on the other.  This moment right here, summed it up for me.  The laughter and joy that was happening was contagious.  even an older gentleman who walked past stopped to watch and shared in the laughter.  Life isn't always filled with laughter, but I have resolved to be sure that this year is filled with more laughter than ever!  Oh, and I already laugh.  A lot....

Look at this child.  He is getting an idea... Putting it into motion and then... someone else joins in his big idea.. and makes it even bigger than he could do on his own...  Then, look at the sheer amazement in his face! Isn't this the beauty of life?  Once you open up and share with others, the joy and excitement spreads, and voila!  A miracle! 

 We also went sailing and flew planes!  The imagination was soaring!  There were no electronics on this day of fun!  We were unplugged..well, except for my phone, which I was taking photos with...

   

We explored the bugs and reptiles and even got a little windblown.  All in all, a great Kansas experience, all in the comfort of indoors.
Evan was so excited to see the creepy tarantulas and Bella was just in heaven that her brother was taking the time to show her, and not be annoyed by her.

I love the photo of Haanah and the Turtle.  She said that the turtle was scared of her cause it was putting its head in its shell.  She told the turtle "I am a nice girl, turtle, you don't need to hide."  It was so sweet.

 

In the wind machine, Bella was enjoying her hair going wild.  Haanah on the other hand, decided she didn't enjoy that so much.  So she got out.  :)  I love allowing them to experience things and then making a decision for themselves whether they enjoy it or not.  All in all, I have become a more relaxed parent and still learn everyday that I don't need to be in control.  They are doing just fine navigating this world.  All they need is a little redirection occasionally. 

I hope everyone is as excited to be starting another new year as I am.  I have never been one that does a big celebration for the new year, but I must say, that this year, at midnight, my husband and I kissed, hugged and vowed that this is our very best year together.  And so it is.