Monday afternoon outing

Cabin fever can get pretty bad in the winter.  Our winters are really not too harsh, for the most part, but the mud gets really out of hand, and it is more that than the cold that makes me keep the kids indoors more.  But yesterday was sunny and not too cold (although we almost always have a stiff breeze where we live), and the mud was only moderate, so I insisted that we all get outside together.

 These first few photos, with the kids running out before me, are like a game of "Can You Find All the Children?"  There seems to be one far off in every shot.

 I am really longing for things to start getting green again.  This is actually our neighbor's pasture and pond, but he has no problem with us traipsing across it.

 The spring here is seasonal--it runs in the winter and after rains, but is pretty much dried up in the hotter months.  The last time Gemma was here, she was on my back in the Ergo.  She is a great hiker, as was Una.

 She also shows good sense and caution, and she listened when I told her where not to step.  None of that brave/foolhardy impulsiveness of her brothers.  She is sensible.  Like her mother and sister.

The boys seem to take after their dad.

We were out for only an hour, but it felt very good.  I am such a homebody and so busy with so many things that it is sometimes hard for me to me to motivate myself to get out.  When the kids go out, I frequently think of it as an opportune time to do something without interruption.  But as I get older, it seems that the requirements for maintaining my sanity have changed somewhat, and I need to make the adjustment.  Getting out is definitely something I need to do more of.