Item #30 – Go for a Long Walk on a Summer’s Day

40 Things for 40 Years in 40 Weeks: Item #30 (Things I Really Enjoy) – Go for a Long Walk on a Summer’s Day

So often we forget to stop and enjoy the simple things in life like talking a long walk on a summer day. My husband and I were fortunate 10 years ago to move to the “Emerald City” or at least very near it. Leaving California after 30 years was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to do as I miss our family and friends there every single day. However, the beauty that surrounds us daily and the slower pace of life that we found up here has far exceeded our expectations. We live steps from a lake, a short drive from gorgeous waterfronts and hiking trails and less than an hour to the mountains. So for that reason I added “Go for a long walk on a summer’s day” to my #40for40in40 list.

As most things go at our house, I was late for this deadline and very nearly missed it. Summer was busy with day camps, vacations, and just life in general. As the last official summer day came and went, we had one bonus day that popped up the following week with 80 degree temperatures and clear skies. The kids were lobbying for an evening at the park to play but after much negotiation (which all things are lately at our house) my husband pulled out all the stops and convinced the boys that they had to help their mom complete an item on her list!

We drove down the lake road and parked at new spot where there is a dock, small rocky beach and access to the paved walking trail. The kids were in the water in no time and soaked so the walk park of the outing took a little while to get started but eventually we were on the trail and going – myself, my husband, Larry, Chucky and of course the Million Dollar Pug. The kids were running every which way, the dog was pulling the leash like she was in a dog sled race and my husband and I were chasing after all of them. It was not peaceful, it was not calm but it was a sunny, warm and all around gorgeous day.

Immediately afterwards I discounted the walk as not being a “long enough” walk and I felt disappointed that this item wasn’t complete on my list… but my kids proved me wrong. 1.) They both slept great that night (win-win!). 2.) Every time we drive past that spot on the road, both boys remind me, “Remember when we went on that walk there Mom!” and they both say, “Let’s do that again!” Those comments make me smile and realize that evening had an impact on them that I didn’t expect. Making memories with kids is hard sometimes because we as adults have expectations that don’t always get met… but sometimes we need to re-adjust those expectations and look at it through new eyes.

And so that completes #30 on my list. 14 items checked off the list and 26 to go! Stay tuned for more… #40for40in40