going to the park: 5 different ways

I have noticed the evolution of our park trips over the years with the addition of each child. My husband and I used to go parks in our dating days just to walk and enjoy nature. It was one of our favorite things to do- enjoying peace and quiet and God's creation. (I have forgotten what peace and quiet sound like! ) In the last almost-8 years we've added four kids to the mix and our trips have gone a little like this:
 One kid: Both parents must attend every park outing, just in case a "first" is missed. Both parents give said child their utmost attention. Both parents take turns pushing the child in the swing. Want to go feed the ducks? Sure! Want to throw rocks in the pond? Sure, you're our only object of attention. Both go up the stairs and go down the slide with the child. The child will not go up stairs/down slide alone until age 3.5.

at the park fishing with our friends Cameron and John. Our two year old caught the ONLY fish with Cameron's help!

 Two kids: This was probably the easiest stage, at least when my kids were younger. (My first two are only 19 months apart.) Both were content to swing side by side while I took turns pushing them. They didn't wander off too far. Second child did start climbing stairs and sliding down slide solo at about 18 months, as opposed to older brother's 3.5 years!

enjoying lunch at our favorite park. It's 5 minutes from our house and is HUGE.

Three kids: The park is a way to escape the daily grind. Lots of bickering between the older two- heaven forbid one gets a swing that is 1/4 inch higher than the other. (what happened to escaping the daily grind? ha!) Hard to keep all three occupied in the same area- baby is too little for "big kid" stuff (although she'll try everything!); older kids aren't happy with "baby stuff." But getting out and getting fresh air is worth it! (at least for those 50 days a year it's below 90 degrees in Texas!)

love these brothers!

Skating with daddy on her birthday.

Four kids: A case of whiplash is sure to ensue. Baby boy? Check. He's in the stroller. Not going anywhere. Thank goodness. Older son?  Running around everywhere, and he's fast. (why can't he be this fast when getting dressed in the morning or doing his math?) Older daughter? She's with dad at the ice-skating rink. Have to remind myself I don't need to look for her. Two year old? Playing hide and go seek, giving me a heart attack about every five minutes because I can't see her. Mom needs a serious nap after returning home!

I took this one to the park by herself on her 2nd birthday, 8 days before her baby brother arrived. 100% attention for the third child was a luxury!

In all seriousness, we love parks and the free entertainment they provide. Our kids love the outdoors. Added bonus? If we're at the park, our house isn't being destroyed! :) What's your favorite outside activity?
 

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