Before machines the only form of entertainment people really had was relationships. ~ Doug Coupland
Last weekend we took our girls to visit our cousins. It is so nice to get away from home for a couple of days. I find that when we do we are able to partly unplug (I will not lie to you, we bring our iPhones and iPads and definitely check email, but not nearly as often). We were able to leave work behind (mostly) and focus on family and fun.
What I found most delightful about the moments we shared as family was that it did not take much for us to have a good time. We did not need fancy movie theaters, shopping malls or video arcades. We were able to participate in simple activities together and have a lot of fun.
We walked in nature, collected seeds and cones, and enjoyed the fresh air. We went to a factory and watched food being made, and after we went to play miniature golf on a course in desperate need of refurbishment. We did not spend a lot of money, yet we did spend a lot of quality time together. We had a lot of fun!
I loved the reminder that families can engage in quality time without necessarily spending any money. Families can visit a park, ride bicycles, kick around a soccer ball, or take nature walks for little or no money… .yet the time invested in family relationships is invaluable.
Today, 111 days ’til 40, I am thankful of all the little magical moments my family has the pleasure of experiencing together.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
mskatykins
November 2, 2012 at 00:20
Good for you. It is so important to take the time out to spend time with the ones you love. Great stuff. 🙂
400daystil40
November 3, 2012 at 00:42
Yes, definitely!
buckwheatsrisk
November 2, 2012 at 04:48
sounds really nice 🙂
400daystil40
November 3, 2012 at 00:39
It was! 🙂
dogdaz
November 2, 2012 at 04:55
So true. Shared experiences in many ways is what makes a family a family.
400daystil40
November 3, 2012 at 00:39
Yes!
A Table in the Sun
November 2, 2012 at 06:49
I totally get the joy your family feels with such seemingly simple activities. You should see my granddaughter when she comes for a visit. Chickens, cows, and horses to nurture, plants and flowers to pick, and about 50 trees to climb or race around provide all of the entertainment she needs.
400daystil40
November 3, 2012 at 00:39
Ah yes, such a great point – your granddaughter must have a blast! My girls prefer climbing trees and being in nature any day over the expensive entertainment most kids today use (ie: video games and ipads)….
walkwiththerabbi
November 2, 2012 at 16:48
You know you’re a part of something truly special – when there’s no need to “entertain” one another, to “dress up” and play the role of superficiality,when the simple quiet presence of those we love, is more than enough! Make it a great weekend my dear friend.
400daystil40
November 3, 2012 at 00:37
Yes, that is so very true!!!
anotherthousandwords
November 3, 2012 at 01:48
Good for you, 400…even better for your children! Some of the best times growing up, my sons told me many years later, were when we’d sit around the table in the evening, shucking dried beans from their pods. I’d use them to make chili or cassoulet the next day, and both were so very proud they had contributed to the meal (they also had worked in the gardens, beside me, learning how to grow things organically)!
400daystil40
November 3, 2012 at 21:50
🙂