This morning started when Crash and his friend, who was here for a sleepover, woke up at 5:30 am. Ugh. They didn’t go to sleep until sometime between 10:30 and 11 the night before! Oh well. I seriously can’t wait until Crash decides that sleep is actually a good thing. But that’s for another post.
Anyway, by 7:30, Bang was also up and all three hooligans were fed and were looking to go outside. But the sun wasn’t even up, yet! And it was only 7 degrees! (they were in shorts and t-shirts) So I got them dressed properly and I took them to watch it come up. They were bored at first. Then the first glimpse of the sun came peeking through and they thought it was pretty neat.
Later that afternoon, after Crash’s friend had gone home (which was a bit sad because he’s moving away next Monday night) Crash and Bang were bored and the only thing they could find to do was pick fights with each other. Instead of strangling both of them, I took them for a hike for an hour and half. Immediately upon entering the woods the bickering and fighting and screaming and stomping stopped. I know this was a pleasant relief for DW whom we left at home to relax.
There were bridges to be crossed (no Trolls were hiding under any of them). There were trees to see (none of which resembled Treebeard). There were streams to throw rocks in and stairs to climb and benches for sitting on. There were sticks to be carried (to fend off the dragons) and leaves to be collected and mud to stomp through (shoes need to be washed now. You told me so, DW!) There were squirrels to hear and watch. There was a dog and it’s owner to stop and chat with. There were pictures to be taken…
It felt good to be out on the trails. The air was cool and quiet. No one was on anyone else’s last nerve. While there aren’t as many deciduous trees as I’d like, not as much vibrant fall color with all the loblolly pines, it was still colorful, bright, and full of October.
All In A Dad's Work 
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
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Thank you for the reblog! This was a much needed distraction from all sibling rivalry that was building up in our house today.
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Ah looks fun! Love the pictures and glad you didn’t run into any trolls!
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Thanks! Nope no trolls. No fairies under the fairy stools either. Maybe next time.
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I have 3 boys myself. I feel your pain. Always good to burn some energy, especially in the woods. 7 degrees? Good lord! A bit early for temps that low!
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They growled about going, but once they were out there I could barely contain them. 7 (Celsius) is about right for Canada. It did warm up to 12 by the afternoon.
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Yeah, I’m used to the growling as well. They get over it quickly.
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Exactly.
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So nice to be able to walk off the rivalry with a stroll in the beautiful woods, armed with only imagination! Beautiful shot! I’d love the tranquility of the woods right now – beats all the noise and hoolabaloos in the city!
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It was great. Especially when we spotted the squirrels. They stopped and were silent for 2 whole minutes. Nothing but the sound of the squirrel scurrying, the birds tweeting and the wind in the leaves. Not a car to be heard.
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It is pretty amazing how quickly nature can change the perspective and attitude at any age! Looks amazing!
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Exactly. Mine and theirs alike. I even had a little extra patience the rest of the day!
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Beautiful photos, looks like a great day out for the whole family!
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Our day did a complete 180 once we were hiking. Even afterward the kids (and myself) were less irritated with each other. Thanks for your kind words 🙂
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As I read this I am thinking, he is a really great dad. You took them to see the sunrise and then when bored and picking on each other off for a hike in the woods. Smart man!
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The sunrise viewing was just a fluke. They were ready to go outside at 7am so I took them instead to see the see come up (they got outside, I got sunrise pictures. Win Win). The hike was also for me. I had been wanting to get out for a few days. Them picking on each other provided the right opportunity. They fought me at first, but once out there everyone’s mood changed 🙂 Thanks for thinking that, though 🙂
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I’m glad you shared this on The Leisure Link for one last go round! Fresh air is great for knocking them out (I mean, making them tired)…as well as walking! They will always remember these days!
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Oh no! Is this the last one? You’re welcome for sharing it here. I wish I would have remembered more often, I enjoy reading about other’s leisure time 🙂
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Yeah, getting hard to keep up with it, with me teaching part-time. This time last year, even working full time and teaching two classes at night, I wasn’t as involved with my blog as I am now. Keep up these great posts! I can still feature these on my blog (at my leisure, LOL)!
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Totally understandable. Leisure link or no, I’ll still be reading your posts!
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Sounds like a great afternoon. This time of the year is perfect for hiking. Plus fresh air is good for wearing out little boys to insure a good night’s sleep.😉 Take my word for it, once they become teenagers, you won’t be able to get them out of bed!
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It was a great hour and half. Fall is my favorite season by far. The colors and the cool air make hiking phenomenal. I wish fresh air wore my two boys out. I’ve tried all day at the beach, long hikes, playing outside all day… yet they never seem ready for bed. If they decide to sleep in as teens I plan on waking them early as pay back 🙂
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Yeah, sometimes I enjoy waking my 20 year old son up early (for him that means 10:00) just for the fun of it! If I actually need him to get up, I find the smell of fresh cooked food works.
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Yep, that wakes me up too!
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