Since the 6yo started school our one-on-one time has dropped to almost zero. What with school, activities, life; he rarely gets to go out with me on his own. I miss our Fridays (his day off from preschool); we always did something, just for him (even if the wee girl tagged along!).
Yesterday, through a random series of events, we were able to go to the park; on our own.
It was late afternoon, it was gloriously warm and we had half an hour to spare before I needed to get home to make dinner.
He couldn’t have been happier, and every so often he would run back and give me a hug, saying thank you or I love you.
Just adore this boy.
He’d been on a field trip that morning and he had so much to tell me, the chatter was fabulous. He is so wonderfully enthusiastic about everything he does, which is really quite infectious.
We talked about the summer holidays, and all the things we might do. Like go to the park whenever we feel like it!
So that we can climb…
And slide…
And go horse riding…
And swing…
And swing some more…
As I sat back and watched, I was reminded, again, how very lucky I am.
Now to plan our summer to make the most of every day that we get to spend having fun together, and to write in big letters at the top of our list: do not waste time getting stressed about the stuff you aren’t doing, just enjoy the stuff that you are!
I’m linking up with the wonderful Country Kids at Coombe Mill, as always. Click on the badge to see what everyone else has been up to and be inspired to get outside!
Aww! Bless him! It looks and sounds like you had a lovely time at the park!
We did, it was lovely to get a little bit of time on our own to chat :)
Oh how lovely to be able to have that one-to-one time and he clearly enjoyed being able to have you to himself. Looks like he is having a wonderful time in the photos :-)
It was lovely, made me realise that I need to make it happen more often x
It’s lovely to get to spend a bit of time one on one. It doesn’t happen much in this house but it’s lovely when it does. Cute photos & sounds like fun planning summer x
Yes, it’s always going to be something that is hard to make happen, but perhaps that part of why it’s so lovely when it does x
One to one time is so precious. Not always easy to arrange. Your middle one looks like he had lots of fun. Here’s to a good summer, full of fun. #CountryKids
No, not always easy, but so worth it when you manage it x
I love this post, those melt your heart words, what a thoughtful and expressive boy he is. It would make me want to take him to the park alone every day! I know life isn’t like that but just fabulous to have that one on one time when you can. I know just how hard it can be to organise. Thank you for sharing a truly lovely time together on Country Kids.
He really is an absolute sweetheart. It is hard to organise, but definitely worth when you can x
Aw! It’s nice when we get a chance to stop and smell the proverbial roses. Hope you get many more afternoons like this during the summer :-)
Thank you, it was lovely x
Yes, absolutely. That is going to be my motto for the summer too-my son starts school in September and I have a feeling I’m going to be writing a similar post to yours at some point. What a lovely way to spend some time together x
Yes, my little girl starts preschool in September. I’m looking forward to the summer, and to making the most of it x
It’s lovely to spend 1-1 time together, looks like you had a good time. So important to find quality time x #CountryKids
It really is, and we had a really fab time x
They are certainly growing up fast, aren’t they? … I guess when you have one kid, it’s important to have one-on-one little dates with each child, just to connect. I imagine I would do this too, if I had more than one! Especially since it’s obvious how much you guys had so much fun :) #countrykids.
The really are! The wee girl get lots of time with me, and the 8yo and I manage to get a bit of time when the younger two go swimming, it’s definitely the 6yo that misses out!
Ah looks like such lively simple fun, and so nice to spend time just you and him for a bit! Xx
It really was x
Beautiful, one on one time is so important and life just gets too busy once thye are at school. Mich x
It is, and you’re right, once they are at school it is so hard to achieve x
Oh how sweet is he?? Sounds absolutely lovely and just what you two needed! Thanks so much for linking to #countluckystars lovely xx
He is very sweet :)
You can’t beat quality time together.
You have captured some lovely moments there :) x
Thank you, it was lovely x
How lovely. It is important to spend that one on one time isn’t it. I’m hoping to be able to spend some quality time with my son during the summer.
It really is important, tricky to manage sometimes x
Great post. I love what you say at the end there about enjoying the stuff you are doing – so true! Your boy looks like he had a fab time at the park too :) #countluckystars
Thank you, I am planning on approaching the summer very much from a glass half full perspective :)
Oh Sara, this made me well up! My boy and I used to have days like that, when he was at pre-school at his sisters were at school. Every other Thursday we would spend the day at Legoland – such a lucky boy! I have so many fond memories of that time. Precious times that are hard to re-create these days but not impossible. Well done you for taking the time, he clearly cherished every minute :) x
Oh Suzanne, it is hard to re-create isn’t it? But as you say, not impossible and definitely worth it x
Ah, simple pleasures – and such fun! We’ve noticed a huge difference since our boys started school too, particularly in the case of Isaac whose life is full of activities and play-dates now. (And what other spare time he has is mostly spent decompressing with Minecraft.) It’s hard to find the time just to do simple things together – but when we do we have such a great time. Ah well.
It is hard, and let’s face it, we’re busy too. But, it’s so worth it when we make the time x
Aww what a lovely post. I know how you feel, when there are a few children, it’s difficult to get that one on one time. I feel as though I should start spending more time with each of my twins on my own… x #countrykids
It is really hard, and I think for the most part the kids understand that, but it is special to get time with each of them individually x
I really notice sometimes that I rarely have quality alone time with my five year old since his brother came along. The sad thing is that he is at such a great age for doing fun stuff! Mind you EJ is rapidly catching up but I do find they can be more fun and less challenging when I am with either one of them one on one. I think your middle boy and JJ would get on well! Xx #countluckystars
It is a great age, still a lot of childish fun, but with added conversation :)