Our "Out-of-Doors" Day

"For we are an overwrought generation, running to nerves as a cabbage runs to seed; and every hour spent in the open is a clear gain, tending to the increase of brain power and bodily vigour, and to the lengthening of life itself. Never be within doors when you can rightly be without.meals taken "al fresco" are usually joyous, and there is nothing like gladness for converting meat and drink into healthy blood and tissue. All the time, too, the children are storing up memories of a happy childhood. Fifty years hence they will see the shadows of the boughs making patterns on the white tablecloth; and sunshine, children's laughter, hum of bees, and scent of flowers are being bottled up for after refreshment." -Charlotte Mason

Today, was indeed a day of beauty. I just love this excerpt from the works of Charlotte Mason about the need and importance for children (and ADULTS) to be "out of doors". Just being in the fresh air can do wonders for the body, mind and spirit.

The cool air and warm sunshine was like fuel for the minds and bodies of my little ones today. They kept themselves busy with some very simple objects: a pail of water (that they filled, and refilled and filled again), two cloths, some bubbles and their bicycles.

The best part of my day was hearing them busily work as they scrubbed the house, shutters and railings. I stepped outside to see what all the banging was and Sophia was furiously washing the shutters and said that she just had to get them "ruby red" (the above photo)!!! Nicolas was also taking his job of soaping things up pretty seriously and took the initiative to bring the dishtowels outside.

Our day ended with a really simple dinner outside (photo of the paper plates about, I said it was simple) on our deck. It felt so good to eat with the sun on my back and a breeze on my face.
Needless to say, this day was a good one. Revitalizing. Uplifting. Important.