Recently a few of my nieces were over for a visit. It felt like forever since I’d seen them. We used to have them here at least one day a week, usually more because I’m a fun Aunty like that. Now most of them have summer jobs, intense sports commitments, or their own same-age fun people they want to spend their free time with.
While catching up, I asked about some annual events we still try to make time for together and whether their schedules would allow them to be there—even if only for a day. I got a yes, a no, and an “I’ll try.” Such is the season of life. We all lamented a little for the free, easy time of their much younger years, and I asked, “Do you remember the summer of Adventure Thursdays?”
Each looked at me with a blank stare and my heart sank like a gutted fish. I began recounting the various “adventures.” To my relief, they recalled almost every one. My evisceration repaired, my heart buoyed—my efforts had been solidified as worth it; they just hadn’t known the name I gave to our series of outings. Why would they, really? Children aren’t into timekeeping, but the memories made their mark.
Adventure Thursdays was a blow-the-stink-off-ya day. We left the house. We left the yard. We changed it up.
Having four kids and generally three to four extras around requires some deviations from the norm—for your own mental stability as well as theirs.
The adventures weren’t overly complicated endeavours, and they didn’t need to be. We went to a different park, walked a trail they weren’t familiar with, or had ice cream somewhere new. Sure, there were days we packed the car, drove for an hour to fish for twenty minutes, and got eaten alive by mosquitoes, but I’ve got confirmation now that it was time well spent.
I suppose some of you are already acutely aware of how quickly the littles outgrow your adventures together. My oldest just graduated though, and and I see how close the next lot is to moving ever closer to the stage where friend time will be the priority. I’m taking stock of ways to instill their annual returns as something they actually desire to do. I’m also coming up with plans for adventures that keep those connections with the older bunch.
None of this may be ground breaking. We all know time passes and people change. I guess I’m saying if you’re reading this, use the reminder to call your nephew and go to that beach you never got to. If your children are still small, take an hour through the week and do something different. It’s the change of routine that sticks out in their memories—and yours. It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s probably better if it’s not. The seasons of life are short, and so are our summers. Go take a minute and enjoy!