The blog has been woefully neglected. This post is not an indication that the neglect will come to an end. This post is merely an attempt to show my annoying All or Nothing mentality who's boss. Also, it is to celebrate one of the kids' accomplishments this year. Thus, somehow, the small humans are simultaneously the reason I have neglected the blog and also the reason I am un-neglecting it for today. Kids are really something.
Today, November 15, 2024, the kids finished logging their 1000th hour of being outside for the year. Technically, they didn't start tracking their time outside until sometime in February, so I suppose technically they hit their 1000th hour some time ago... But still. At 11:45 am this morning, they officially logged their 1000th hour. Over 1000 hours outside of sunshine basking, puddle splashing, stick fighting, leaf collecting, bug watching, hole digging, mountain climbing, trap making, picnicking, rope swinging, banshee-yelling, frisbee throwing, cloud watching, dirt stomping, book reading, rock washing, seed planting, weed pulling, ball bouncing, bike riding, pine needle raking, muddy water scooping, childhood memory making fun.
Over 287 days, these kids averaged 3.5 hours outside every day. They went out in the snow, the rain, the humidity, and the mosquitoes. Their record day was July 18th when they were outside for 10.5 hours. They had 87 days with 5 hours or more outside. They only had 32 days with 0 hours outside. They spent 152 hours outside in August (side effect of gorgeous summer evenings) but only 51 hours in June (side effect of being home for only 3 days the whole month). And yes, we kept a spreadsheet for all the fun facts.
It has been a great year.
It sounds dramatic, but taking on the 1000 hours outside challenge this year has brought so many amazing changes to our family. It has introduced so much freedom and independence and peace to our daily rhythm. It has created noticeably stronger bonds of friendship between each and every one of the kids. While it has helped develop resiliency in one, it has taught patience and selflessness to another and increased self-confidence to yet another. It has brought all of us so much joy and contentment.
I am so proud of these kids.
Well done, guys. You are fantastic and impressive human beings. I love you to the moon!
💙💙💙💙💜
