A few weeks ago we’d had one of those weekends that involved lots of jobs needing doing around the house. My son is very good at entertaining himself when needs must but I don’t like him being indoors all weekend. So late in the afternoon, we headed out for an hour, to have some fun running free around Brill Windmill.
We’d not been up to the windmill in ages, and even on a dull afternoon, it offers lovely views across the countryside. My son had been a bit grumpy about the idea of going out. He was quite happy playing with his Lego, but I knew once we opened the car door he’d feel differently.
Within a couple of minutes of parking up, he’d come up with a new game, running from mound to mound around the windmill whilst I timed him.
He was soon squealing with delight as he dashed past me and chased after his Dad. Simple pleasures which cost nothing. I stood and reflected that it was moments like this that I truly treasure. I’m very thankful that my son really is an outdoor child at heart.
He ran and ran, laughed and chased us around. Not a care in the world, just as childhood should be. We’ve spent far more time this year enjoying the simple things, spent more time closer to home, appreciating what’s on our doorstep and just spending time together in the fresh air. I’m a firm believer that fresh air cures a lot of ills and certainly when life has been really stressful, getting outside, whatever the weather, has done us all some good.
I stood and watched my soon to be ten-year-old son, running free around Brill Windmill and just smiled.
In a few years, I’m sure he’ll want to spend time with his friends rather than us, and the novelty of running around a windmill will be lost forever. So right now, I’m just enjoying these moments.
Where do you take your kids for a run around?
Ahh! It’s always the way. Not keen on going out but once they are there they have a fantastic time.
It looks like he had a blast!
He was in his element with all that space
My oldest turned 13 in the summer and although he now likes hanging out with his friends more than ever before, he still revels in the simple pleasures of outdoor time with his siblings. So happy he’s always been an outdoor child, and I don’t think he’ll ever lose that. And it’ll be the same for your son 😉
#CountryKids
That’s so good to read, I’m hoping so too
Beaches are often a great place for us to run around, as we live by the coast. We also do a lot of running around at various NT properties in the region (SouthEast) xx
I’m so envious of you being near beaches!
I’ve always loved the sea, and living close to it is not something I take for granted, but am very thankful for xx
Little moments of outdoor fun like this is really what childhood should be all about. I love the game of running from mound to mound. It is amazing what a difference a bit of fresh air can make. Thank you for sharing with #CountryKids and sorry for being so late with my commenting x
It certainly is and don’t worry, I’m you relieved that Thomas is on the mend xx