A Park Picnic and Quiet Time {for me}

It's been very sunny around these parts ... so whenever we get the chance we venture out to a park. Sometimes we have a hard time deciding which park to go to given that there's so many cool parks around here ... and not to mention the many more parks that we have yet to discover for ourselves.

We decided to go back to Luther Burbank Beach Park on Mercer Island. We've been here once before and we loved it for several reasons but mostly because it's quite secluded. I doubt this park is visited by many tourists.

Anyway, last time we had bought food and ate it here but this time we packed a lunch. I brought blankets so we can sit on them on top of the grass. I don't like sitting directly on the grass. Whenever grass makes contact with my skin it gets irritated and itchy plus, I would hate to be sitting on a worm ... let alone touch one by accident, gross!

We made ourselves some delicious sandwiches and pasta salads, also brought fruit and nuts. Most of us were hungry but apparently Riley was not. He became upset when we told him that we were going to eat first. Obviously he had other plans in mind. He didn't even eat his sandwich. He was very grumpy at first.

We often try to give Riley a taste of our food ... like Jacob's pasta salad. And it's usually rejected. Hopefully one day he'll give something new a try and hopefully he'll like it.

I really enjoyed my lunch. It was delicious and I can't wait to pack a lunch again next time we're out in the sun for the day.

Once we were done eating Jacob, Riley and I walked over to the playground. He was happy as can be.

It is amazing to me how easy it is for Riley to talk to other people and begin to play with kids as if he's known them for a while. Unfortunately, talking to people doesn't come easy for me. It could be mainly because I'm timid. He definitely got that trait from his father ... but it also could get him in trouble once he starts school because he just doesn't know when to stop talking, lol.

After being at the playground for a while we walked down to the water. There was quite a few people out on the water. Must be so nice to walk out to your backyard and decide you want to kayak or paddle board for the afternoon.

We ran into Sydna.

Before leaving I went back to our picnic spot and read a few pages of my Joyce Meyer devotional. Reading scripture out in nature is to me more fulfilling. Plus, what better way of enjoying an outing when you can also feed your soul at the same time? Have you ever thought of that when you're out and about? I certainly have and I constantly make it a point to notice the things around me that make me happy. Especially when I'm having a challenging day ... noticing things I like helps me to forget my trials therefore changes my way of thinking giving me better clarity.

As usual and no mater how long we stay at a park, this little guy will cry half the time because he doesn't want to leave.

In order for me to be the best that I can be I have to be intentional about being sure I include rest in every day. I need to be rested, restored and re-inspired so I can continue to keep going with a positive mindset.