To me, summer is about spending as much time as possible outside. And I want to instill a love for the great outdoors with my kiddos. From simply playing in our cul-de-sac to going on a mountain adventure, time spent outside is refreshing, rewarding, and replenishing. Ever since they were babies, whenever my kiddos start to get the slightest bit crabby, I take them outside. Being outside instantly changes their mood.

All throughout the summer, I’ve been making it a point to maintain their love for nature and being outside. The summer has consisted of a ton of swimming (both in a pool and in a lake), boating, playing in the cul-de-sac, visiting the local mountains, watching baseball games, spending time in the garden, and going to parks.

The other day, we were in the mood for an adventure that involved water. If there’s one thing to know about my kids, it’s that they absolutely, 1000% love water. From splashing in puddles to jumping into pools to floating around in a lake, they cannot get enough of it. So, we hopped in the car and headed to a park that was along the riverside. Once there, the kiddos played at the playground before we walked along the river.

They chased butterflies, climbed rocks, watched airplanes fly overhead, and looked for fish. We enjoyed a meltdown-free adventure (yes, my two-year-old is definitely a two-year-old). Why? Because my kiddos were doing what they love most … exploring while being outside. Here are a few photos I took while we enjoyed a morning along the riverside.