Just go outside....

....is what we told the kids after a VERY hot day was spent inside. The temps declined and the humidity plummeted so it was actually quite nice outside. You'd think we were trying to kill them by expecting them to entertain themselves outside of the house. Fresh air just might burst their lungs, you know! Well, we did insist and after much bickering they actually found something to do. The 126354654312 toys in the back yard that typically sit dormant got recruited this evening! There was a safe shelter, and a sand castle, complete with moat and tiny draw bridge. Then there was Shorty 'texting' on his phone! It is amazing that when FORCED to play outside, kids can still find things to do. Will miracles ever cease!?
All kidding aside, they really did have a good time. It was fun to observe. I remember all the time I spent outside as a child and all the strange things I thought of to do and actually am surprised my kids don't invent things more often than they do. They had parents that did. From their father's mock baseball games where he alone played every player on the team, to their mother's antics with an old lidded garbage can, they were destined to be outdoor geniuses. Where I'd love to share my old stories with them to encourage them to think outside the box, I am a little afraid of encouraging them to do really stupid things like I did! Picture this, a garbage can with locking lid, a garden hose and a sloped front yard. Water fills can half way, I get in it, my brother so loving locks the lid in place 'just so' and then he and my friend(Shannon, I hope you are reading this one!) tip it on its side and roll me down the hill into the street! What an amazingly fun time that was. Safe? Not really, but wow, was it a blast! Yes, that is one story I think I'll keep tucked away until they have their OWN children and then I'll tell them in private away from the curious ears of my impressionable grandchildren!
I just wonder what stories of outside fun they will have to NOT share with their children until they are old. I cherish them in their youth for I know it will pass all too quickly, but why must they enjoy tormenting their parents!? To all a good night....