My family and I have tried to go on a few hikes.  They have been memorable for different reasons.  Two years ago I had the inspiration to go hiking.  My dear husband looked online and found a place about an hour away.  We all jumped in the car and headed to our destination.  On our way, I noticed we were getting low on gas.  I told my husband that we should get some gas and he said, “No, we will be fine.” We headed to where the hike was supposed to be, driving on gravel roads that went on and on. The whole time I was in the front passenger seat sweating it out, fearing that we were going to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere.

After what seemed like ages, we arrived at the place we think the trail is supposed to be. Then one of my sons noticed a sign that said to watch out for rattlesnakes.  I thought, ‘Great, we are walking on a narrow path with tall grass and rocks on the sides. This looks like a haven for snakes!’ Needless to say, it wasn’t a very relaxing hike.  Everyone kept thinking they heard a noise, and my son, Zachary, thought he saw a snake eating another animal! At this point, I was feeling stressed-this was supposed to be a fun, relaxing hike!  We ventured on a little further, with my husband in front and I close behind him.  He started to climb up on a rock when suddenly, he gets a freaked-out look on his face, and I knew that he had probably seen or heard a rattler. We both turned around, and most of us ran back to the car.  We had just enough gas to make it to the closest town to fuel up before heading back home!

Was this the hike that I had imagined in my head? Of course not, but we have a story that we can look back on together and laugh about (it took me a little while to get to that point).

Do you need some time away from your house right now that your family can do together?

• It might just be something simple like going outside and playing a game of Wiffle ball
• Dust those bikes off and go on a family bike ride
• Spend time outdoors fishing with your kids
• Go all out and go camping-if you don’t have the equipment-try borrowing from friends or family
• If you are located close to a river, check into river rafting
• Try paddle boarding-this is an activity I’d love to check out sometime!

Even if it is an activity that isn’t a top priority to all of you, like say hiking, be open to giving it a try. Remember you are creating memories.

What is a fun activity, and maybe out of your comfort zone, you can do with your family this week?