One of the best educational investments we make is in the America the Beautiful Park Pass. $80 annually. A 30 minute visit to Great Falls National park would cost $20 (& truthfully, we probably wouldn’t make so many last minute trips, just to walk in, just to run and climb and balance and breathe), and a 2 hour visit to Prince William Forest Park on a warmer day would have cost $8. But instead, we pay $80, and visit both (and the occasional Shenandoah day) without thinking twice.
Ten months of adventuring and fresh air and homeschool, but my favorite extra is the ability to say “okay” most of the time that they ask to spend more time doing something “small.” They love digging into puddles turned to ice. It was I think 26 degrees and windy this day. We saw maybe 3 other people there. I will remember these moments always.
It’s one of the most rewarding moments (every time) when, after whining about having to get ready to head outside for a hike, or, in this case, a quick, 30-minute chill sesh next to the water, the kids keep asking to stay longer. They are so at home outside, and it makes my heart happy to see.
