Spending Time Together

Summer is coming to an end and it's going to be colder before we know it.  All the trips to the pool, water parks, and outdoor BBQs with family will end.  Homework and school routines are in full swing and pretty soon all our dance competitions will begin.  I know with the hustle of the fall months, it's harder to make downtime for family.  We get caught in the routine of coming and going and barely taking the time to ask how everyone's day was. 

My challenge this fall, especially after we go HOME, is to carve out several times a week for family activities.  Whether it be just a quick walk around the neighborhood, or a bike ride to the park, it is so important to take the time to spend with each other. 

Since we are in Palo Alto, and away from our family, Owen and I have been creative in making our own fun!  Owen's immune system is significantly compromised right now due to his heart transplant, so we have to avoid public places.  One of our favorite things to do is go outside at the RMH and set up an afternoon picnic.  He loves to talk to me about his day at Kindergarten, even though I was there the entire time, and he likes to talk about things he wants to do with Daddy and Sis when they come to visit.  We created a little family fun list for Labor Day weekend while we were picnicking.

- Go to the Beach and cook steaks on the grills
- Go to San Francisco and eat seafood on the pier while watching the barking seals
- Go to the Ice Cream sandwich shop
- Go for a long walk in the forest (the gully behind the RMH)
- Take Daddy and Sis on a hike to explore the Dish (a hiking trail)
- Find a park with lots of swings
- Of course, have a picnic almost everyday outside. :)

I have mentioned several times that Owen has been eating so much better lately!  I'm sure the high doses of steroids are helping his appetite and he is loving Capri Sun Super V Fruit and Vegetable Juice Drink!  They are easy for me to grab on the run and his favorite is the Capri Sun Super V in Apple.  It has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and is a good source of fiber for this boy who needs it!

This picture is great.. I was trying to get him to smile but he wouldn't stop sipping.  These cheeks are so adorable... I don't think I can get used to them! :)

We usually go for a long walk after our picnic because there are fantastic trails all around the RMH for us to explore. We are also trying to get some cardiovascular exercise in and work his new heart. As you can see, Owen snatched my favorite Capri Sun Juice drink, Capri Sun Roarin' Waters Flavored Water Beverage, it’s my favorite because it's low in calories.  Owen thinks it's just a fun, delicious way to rehydrate after a long walk in the middle of the afternoon. I'm glad I found a drink that Owen likes and I can feel good letting him drink it! 

Take time to relax and enjoy time with your family.  Carve out some time each day for your family to come together, even if only for 15 minutes. Instead of always being in a rush, step back and try to take things slow. Maybe don't sign up for that extra soccer team practice or school volunteer project, and use that time to plan a family activity. I know it's easier said than done. I hope that I can be better at this when I get home. 

 

To learn more about all of Capri Sun's Juice Drinks, visit their website or Facebook Page!