I didn’t have any intention of writing this evening, right up until about twenty minutes ago. That was when I decided to have a look at some of the pictures I took on our little hike this afternoon.

The kids were getting a little restless, and Cheryl really wasn’t feeling well, so I decided to get the kids out of the house. We hopped in the car and five minutes later we were cruising across the Dunedin Causeway towards Honeymoon Island again.

Taking a look at the pictures I’m reminded that some of the most fun I’ve had with my kids has been doing the free stuff. Disney is o.k., and Busch Gardens can be pretty cool for a little afternoon getaway, but the free stuff seems like so much less work. A walk to the park, an impromptu session of keep-away with a soccer ball, or a few hours on the beach can have all the fun, but none of the expectations; and I think that sometimes makes all the difference.

We might decide to play a little chase, throw rocks at the waves, or collect interesting rocks shaped by the surf. We just do whatever comes to mind, whenever it comes. It feels so liberating. Sometimes I’m walk along behind and watch my kids have fun being kids. Today was one of those days.

It doesn’t take much to make me happy sometimes. At some point I usually find an odd piece of limestone to carry with me. I like to find something that’s small enough to toss, but with an odd shape. With all the limestone around here, that’s not very hard.

So picture me with an odd little white rock, tossing it in the air and snatching it back. Imagine my kids running up and down the beach, chasing the waves, the birds and each other. Imagine a small, contented grin seemingly permanently etched on my face.