I’m trying to introduce more ‘adventure’ into the kid’s lives as a way of creating happy memories for them, getting them excited about being outdoors and to inspire us to explore the local area more than we otherwise might. I think if you were to ask Annie she would say that yesterday was a good day. I’ve discovered the way to her heart is also the best way of getting her off to sleep on time at night – wear her out, preferably somewhere with a slide or swing set!

Yesterday’s adventure was simple, we scouted out a new play area. It was down one end of the Honeybourne Line, a cycle path and walkway, I’d not been down there in 14 years or so and was amazed at how pleasant it was and how less threatening it felt, we saw loads of different birds and squirrels and there was surprisingly little litter. We walked past a ‘free wall’ on the underpass and I loved how it changed the underpass from a dark, intimidating place, to a bright and cheery tunnel that Annie was enthralled by. The art reflects the local area so there’s horses for the Gold Cup, hot air balloons as well as some more random guys that look like aliens, although I’m not sure what they represent.

After visiting the new playground, we strolled back towards town and visited another play area, just to ensure she was properly knackered, then we walked back to the car. By the time we got home she was actually asking to go and have a nap which is a rare occurrence indeed. In the end she didn’t sleep in the day, instead she dipped into some secret energy reserve, had a bounce on the trampoline, drew a family picture of us all on the garden wall with her chalks, watched a well earned viewing of Toy Story 2 and powered through until bedtime.

Did you have an adventurous Monday?