Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Simple Family Fun

Last weekend, the circus came to town. I love the circus.

I mean, I love the circus. I have a clown collection. I love clowns. I even wanted to be one for a time. The last time I went to the Ringling Barnum and Bailey circus I went early- to see the clowns.

I really wanted to take the kids to the circus. I could just imagine the fun time we'd have. But the weekend was going to be busy. Tickets for a family of six would be costly. Plus we would be tempted to buy souvenirs or snacks. I wanted to go to the circus. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend money on the circus.
The weekend came and went and I never mentioned going to the circus.

On Sunday, we flew kites.


We took turns launching the kites. We took off our shoes and chased each other in the wide open field. We laughed a lot.
We spent hours playing together.

It was the kind of experience that led to the kids saying over and over without prompting, "That was so much fun."

It was one of the best afternoons we have had in a long time.

In the evening, during prayers, my son thanked God for kites, for his brother wanting to go to the field, for the idea to fly kites, for the fun we had, and for kites (again). It was a precious prayer.

Perhaps, the best family activities are ones where the family is active together.






There's no doubt in my mind, the circus wouldn't have meant as much as a simple day flying kites.

The best things in life are the simple things.

6 comments:

Seth said...

I'VE said "That was so much fun!" at least 100 times this week.

sharon said...

So glad you guys had that day together. I'm so jealous that you could go do something outside and still be in shorts and no coats!!

ChupieandJ'smama (Janeen) said...

Looks like a gorgeous day! I love simple family time. There's not enough of it.

Cinderella said...

Glad you all had such a wonderful time flying kites, Jane Anne. Things like that ARE really meaningful.

The circus is great, and next year it'll be back in town again if you want to go:)

Foursons said...

I bet they do remember the kite flying day moreso than they would have remembered the circus. I think you made a great decision.

And I am very jealous of your huge field with the beautiful green grass.

RLR said...

Oh, yes - I agree! Time spent with the family - being active - is the best! I love camping with my husband and kiddos, and we got bikes this summer.

And PS - Wow, your little girl is growing up!