How to Not Go Crazy During Busy Weekends AND Get Exercise In + Kids Review of Henry Burns Park
There’s a few times when, as a mom, I feel like I’ve killed it. Got the planning done, got happy kids, got my exercise in, and by the time everyone’s heads hit the pillow… we’re all exhausted, well fed, and smiling.
A few weekends ago I had resolved to get the kids outside for the majority of the day. I went ahead and rose at my usual 6-something AM (well it’s usually earlier during the week- but that’s sleeping in for me on a weekend day) and spent that time finishing a book on my front porch. Kiddos slept soundly until around 7, when we made breakfast and plans for the day.
It started out simple enough, with my son helping me dig weeds out of the front yard while my daughter stayed in.
But, then, they were bored and honestly so was I. My daughter begged to go to Henry Burns Park and I agreed with some conditions: if it was too busy and we couldn’t park close by, we were leaving. I expected a very busy parking lot and just didn’t want to deal with having to get in and out of my aniticipated nightmare. We packed up our rolling cooler with snacks, extra waters, sandwiches, and sunscreen.
I was happy to find that the redesigned driveway and parking lot allowed for not just more parking- but also the ability to get around those who had parked and still have room to parrallel park. Which was what we did. In the shade.
The kids had a load of fun exploring all of the different “levels” of the park- and even more fun when they realized they had friends from school there.
All of the newness of it was amazing to them, along with all of the different things to do.
Because we packed plenty of food and drinks, there was more than enough to share. And… I was able to get in lots of exercise by following them around and helping to push on various equipment- so win for me, too, yay!
Afterwards, I suggested going to one of our local farms for ice cream and berry picking to which both kids said NO- they wanted to go downtown for ice cream. It just so happened that another friend had the same idea, so downtown we went for the urban part of our weekend adventure. Along with visiting friends and ice cream, we got a little impromptu guitar lesson from a gentleman who frequently plays on Cherry Street. It was the kind of moments that are completely unscripted, and can only happen when you’re open to talking to a stranger.
And then it was back home, to rest and recharge in our own outdoor “treehouse”- a.k.a. our new backyard deck. (Always thank you to Freeman Cabinets!)
Sometimes, in fact often times, I have to be reminded that it’s the simplest of weekends that are the most fun and memorable and allow me to feel like I’ve hit it out of the park with my happy kiddos.
It also makes up for the times when I forget to get ziplock bags for their lunches and I feel like a total failure.
These are the days that remind me… this is how it all balances. This is how to NOT go crazy on weekends… just, take it easy, get outside, and enjoy what we have.
We abolsutely loved Henry Burns Park, and have been back on more than one occasion. I’m grateful for our city leaders who see the value in recreation for all, and we will be making use of this park- and others- as summer marches on. Including the ones with splash pads! 😉
Love to all y’all,
Molly
