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Over the course of the last couple of months, we’ve been making small changes in our everyday routine for a more enriched life. We’ve been drinking more water and keeping track of our intake with this printable water intake tracker, we’ve been finding ways to get active with our children outside, and we’ve been slowing things down so that we can simply enjoy the simple things in life.
I stopped one day during the hustle and bustle of running from here to there and back again and realized that our lives had become so busy and we were constantly on the go. There was no down time. We were always doing something. Some things mattered, some things didn’t, but the point is, we were always busy.
I don’t want my children to look back on their childhood and think they spent most of their time in the vehicle being carted from point A to point B. I want them to look back and remember the time we spent together. Remember those impromptu park visits and those silly picnics in the front yard with all the nosy neighbors trying to secretly spy outside of their kitchen windows.
This week we forgot the kitchen table and decided to take dinner outside. The weather here in Texas is beautiful in the evenings and we are soaking it all in before it’s gone. I made some quick & easy sandwiches and picked up a vegetable tray from the store. I didn’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, but I did want to spend a lot of time with my family.
Rather than packing everything in a plastic bag, I thought it would be a fun touch to wrap the sandwiches up in parchment paper and tie them with some colored twine I had in my prop cabinet. I also wrapped our plasticware in Total Home by CVS Premium Dinner Napkins and tied with the same colored twine for a coordinating look. It was something so quick and easy that really made a big difference on the feel of our picnic.
The kids absolutely loved it, y’all. And to be completely honest, so did I. It’s something out of the ordinary, something different. My kids are at the age where they are going to remember things. I want them to remember the fun and quirky things that their dad and I did to ensure their childhood was the best it could be.
Life has a way of keeping us busy and preoccupied. It’s up to us to set aside time to enjoy life rather than just going through the motions. What are some things you do that might be a little bit out of the ordinary to ensure you get quality time with your family?
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
I feel like we are the same way – always on the go. I think you are smart to take some time out to do fun things like this with the kids. I think I will follow your lead!
Emy Cooks says
Well, it has been a while I have had something out of the ordinary, it is as if a reminder reading your post. Family time is very important as time waits for no one, Great past-time and family fun memories.
Catherine S says
This looks like a great afternoon. I like to take my son to the beach for an afternoon picnic. It is nice to have some quality time together.
Liz Mays says
Aww we should all do this more often. I love taking some time to have a relaxing day outside with the family. I love how you wrapped everything up!
Kelly Hutchinson says
We really need to slow down and take time for our family. My hubby and daughter are having a date night as we speak. So cute.
Samantha Pierce says
A picnic sounds wonderful, our family should do something like this.
Erica (@Erica's Recipes) says
Oh my gosh are we so busy it sucks! I LOVE your idea of a picnic – we live near the beach, but haven’t been as a family in a while and we are definitely due. Great post, thanks for the idea!
Theresa says
Taking a little time out of the day to just be with family is always a great idea. My kids are teens now, and it seems like we don’t always have a lot of time to spend together as a family. I love a the idea of a family picnic!
Penelope says
Taking time to slow down & enjoy each other is so important. Picking up disposable picnic supplies means extra time together since I don’t have to worry about as many dishes.
Ann Bacciaglia says
Picnics are one of our favorite ways to have lunch. We set it up in the backyard. It is a great way to connect with the kids.
Michelle F. says
What a great looking picnic. I love how you wrapped everything in paper and twine.
Michele says
Creating a picnic in your own backyard is certainly a fun and great idea! And next time that nosy neighbor tries to sneak a peak–invite her to join you!
Robin Gagnon @MomFoodie says
On warmer days, my daughter and I put on the backyard spot light at night and have ourselves a little party out there. It is quiet and no need for sunscreen.
Jeanine says
We used to have picnics all the time when my kiddos were smaller. I miss them so much, what a great idea. We really need to slow down and enjoy each other, and a picnic would be a great way!
Stacey- Travel Blogger says
I was just talking about having a picnic the other day. They are a great way to enjoy this beautiful weather.
Melissa says
Oh, I just love this. My son was asking just today if we could have a picnic. And I swear sandwiches wrapped in paper are better!
Kristi says
My Grandma and Sisters invented a term… “Car-Picnic” meaning they always seem to have enough stuff with them to be able to have a car picnic. That way it can random and spontaneous.
Rosey says
I like the wrap for the sandwiches! Picnics make my youngest happy. I hope they always do. 🙂
Nicole Escat says
I love this idea, love your wrap for sandwiches I’m sure my family would love to have a picnic like yours.
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor says
I love this idea SO MUCH! What a great way to slow down and spend time with the family!
Chasing Joy says
You put together a lovely picnic. I’m sure it was a fun memory for your kids, and you.
Ashley says
You know I keep telling my husband we need a picnic at the beach or a local park, maybe even the zoo. It hasn’t happened yet but you have reinspired me.
Alicia says
Our kids love to have picnics but have not done one in quite some time. I will try this with them before it starts snowing. We live in PA so it won’t be long before it does more than flurries! Kids grow up too quickly!
Lydia says
We often leave one day of the weekend for family time where we just get together and hang out usually it’s movie night
Shannon Gurnee says
I love having family picnics! This is a really great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Pamela says
Thanks for the great reminder to slow down. Lately we’ve been scheduling right onto our calendar a day or two a week to just rest together and have quality family time – totally makes a difference!