Photo Fun

I may have mentioned once or twice that we love finding fun outdoor activities.   And although we love exploring parks, playgrounds and new green space; it can all start to look the same.  This weekend I really wanted to head out with my new camera and join a local meetup photography group.  The group was meeting for a nature photo walk along the Hillsborough River at yet another state park.   I ran the idea by the husband we agreed it would be a perfect outing for all three of us.

I’m becoming quite efficient in our park trips and know exactly what picnic lunches and snacks to pack.  This was also the first time we put Ryann in the tagalong backpack.  With fingers crossed and goldfish a plenty we packed her up and hit the trail with the rest of the photography junkies.  Our photo walk was great, my husband was mainly in charge of keeping Ryann happy and entertained while I learned the ins and outs of my camera and joined in some photography conversation.  I snapped pictures of interesting aged trees, fungus, reflections on the river and Ryann.  It’s hard not to snap a few shots of my two favorite people while the main goal of the walk  is to take pictures.

After nearly two hours strapped to my husbands back, Ryann got her much needed break and leg stretch at the playground.  She wandered,  babbled, and climbed the stairs to the slide.  And with some help from my husband, she took the plunge.  Her hair blowing in the breeze and a smile on her face down she went.  Only to sign “more” so up they went and down they came.

We departed from the group and bid them farewell.  They were headed to a restaurant, not exciting for an active toddler.  We threw down a blanket near the playground and nibbled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cheesesticks and apples. The perfect lunch for a girl who hates to sit still.  My photowalk meetup turned into so much more, it filled our Saturday with family memories and left us wanting more.  Now to find the next state park adventure.

What are some activities you and your family enjoy doing? How do you include the family into your hobbies or passions?

Image Credit: personal photos