During the summer here in Texas, it’s hard to spend a great deal of time outdoors! The bugs are big (and they bite) and the heat is unbearable most of the time. As soon as you walk outside, sweat begins to form on your forehead and above your lip, and it’s just gross.
But despite all the obstacles that appeared to be standing in my way, my family and I did something we had never done before. We visited a local state park. I know, I know. Shame on me. But really, it’s the whole big bug thing. I just can’t, y’all. They’re so big, and they bite. Really hard. And it hurts.
Enough whining already, I know. I know.
Growing up, I loved fishing. I would go with my dad and I could fish for hours. It didn’t matter if I was sitting in a boat, standing on a pier, or sitting on the banks of a pond, I was happy to be fishing. But it has been years since I’ve held a fishing pole in my hands.
Until our trip to a local state park where I was able to find teachable moments in every day things. The time we spent at the park was enriching, and dare I say fun? I truly had a wonderful time, despite the bugs and the heat. I watched my children fish for the very first time. And although they didn’t catch anything, they have the experience and the memories. Especially of this little alligator who decided to pay us a little visit.
We also enjoyed lunch under the trees, right next to the lake. Sandwiches, chips, carrots, celery sticks, and apple slices galore! I probably had more fun than I should have while stirring the peanut butter for our sandwiches.
I was totally not in my element out there in the woods. I’m not the outdoorsy kind of gal, but I had so much fun! So much fun that I want to go back. I picked up the flier with the information on purchasing a Texas State Park Pass, y’all. That is huge. If you don’t like parks and the outdoors aren’t your kind of thing, try it anyway. You may be surprised just how much you like the outdoors. Minus the bugs, of course. I encourage you to get out and explore. Have fun, and see and do things you wouldn’t normally do.
Once again Smucker’s has partnered with the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) in the “Make a Natural Difference” Photo Promotion! Simply by submitting a photo, you are entered to win a prize pack complete with Sony camera, lens, carrying case and Shutterfly gift card.
Does your family spend a lot of time outdoors? What is your favorite thing to do?
LyndaS says
We don’t spend a lot of time outdoors, but we should. We recently bought our daughter a new bike and we plan on doing some family bike riding.
Where did you get that peanut butter? The top of the jar looks so neat.
Crystal says
Hi Lynda,
You can buy that peanut butter at most grocery stores. The top is a separate piece that has to be purchased separately. It’s called a peanut butter stirrer so you may be able to find it online somewhere. I had fun using it, as you can tell 🙂
Penelope Guzman says
It looks like such a wonderful time! And that is a great prize, woah!
Colleen says
LOL I love the stirring of the peanut butter! I’m not outdoorsy either but I do enjoy fishing and so do my boys.
HilLesha says
Much as I love the outdoors, I would have found the alligator off-putting. ~lol~
Ellen Christian says
We love our state parks.There’s so much to do there.
Andrea Kruse says
I have great memories fishing with my Dad, too. Love the crank on your peanut butter! I haven’t seen that before… it would make mixing up the natural oils so much easier.
Tonya says
We love the outdoors! My daughter and I recently went on a camping trip with her Girl Scout troop and two other troops at our local state park. It was really fun, except the part where I almost took a shower with a snake! I opened one of the doors to a shower stall and there was a little snake on his way out. Eeek! Other than that it was great lol.
Leandrea says
I don’t know that fishing with alligators is my cup of tea! We fished for the first time this summer and it was so fun. Our favorite thing to do outdoors is to geocache. My girls LOVE when we do that!
Brett says
we do a lot outdoors. i’m not a fan of bugs either, big OR small.
Raijean says
I’ve been saying, I was going to take the boychild to a park to try our hand at camping. Lets see how that goes.
Marysa says
We love the outdoors! We do lots of hiking, camping, kayaking, and more. We live in NY and are always going to our state parks (we have what’s called an Empire Pass). Looks like fun!
Debi says
We spend a lot of time at our state parks. I love to go bird watching and we love fishing.
MomStart says
Look at that little gator!!! This looks like a wonderful and fun family day, even if it was hot and buggy. 🙂
Kelsey Apley says
That is so cute to capture that little gator on camera. We don’t live near any, so I always find it neat to see them. Looks like a fun time at your state park.
Jenn says
I love being outdoors myself. Isn’t that alligator adorable? It’s hard to remember how dangerous they can be when they’re that cute.
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
We spend more time during the winter outdoors. My husband can’t take the heat too much. We have a few new parks to add to our list when it cools off a bit.
Kathy says
We love to be outdoors. Our latest adventures have us Birding. Jonah’s aunt is really into it so now we are constantly looking at birds!
Theresa Gould @ Faith and Family Reviews says
We love the outdoors. My kids have taken to building towns out of the scrap lumber around our farm, they’d have loved to see that alligator!
Tammy says
we are so NOT outdoors people. At all. My idea of camping is the Holiday Inn Express. ‘Nuff said 😉
Ty says
Next year, we’re getting a yearly state park pass and our goal is to visit each site and document our adventures.
Liz Mays says
We love to go hiking or walking outdoors. There’s so much beauty and fun in state parks!
Kimberly Grabinski says
I like the outdoors for short periods at a time. So long as there are no bugs. Then all bets are off…run away, run away!
Angela says
I love spending time outdoors. I go to the beach and take walks at parks.
Marcie W. says
I am not an outdoorsy person but definitely enjoy the occasional nature walk or fishing trip. I am even considering arranging a camping trip with my family soon. Anything for my kids!