How to really have a good time



Yesterday was a wild day!  I wish I had a picture that did it justice.

Two of my sisters and I took 10 kids (most of whom were under the age of 6) on a day trip to Flagstaff.  We all piled into my big van, armed with crafts, snacks and suckers (to be used as bribes in case of emergency.)

Our first stop was Montezuma's Castle, where we all trudged down the trail to see the Native American ruins.  After oohing and ahhing for a few minutes, we were starting to sweat.  It was about 100 degrees, and baby faces were starting to turn red.  We tried to make sure everyone had a turn with the water bottles, while trying at the same time to make sure nobody ran off into the desert or hit anyone else in the face.

We attempted to make our way back to an air conditioned car, but it was slow going.  The older children, who were perfectly capable of walking, wanted to be carried, while the younger ones who couldn't follow directions wanted to walk on their own.  Progress was slow.

Eventually, I went ahead to get the car started and met the crowd at the head of the trail. 

Theresa (my sister) approached the van.  She was carrying a squirming, screaming child under each arm, breathing hard, and her face was literally dripping with sweat.  The first words out of her mouth were perfect!

She said "they can't make you discouraged unless you let them!  If I decide I'm having fun, then by golly I'm having fun!"

It was a hilarious moment, and we all got a good laugh.  But the best thing about that comment was that it is absolutely true!!  All it takes to have fun, is the mindset that we are having fun.

That wasn't the only moment of difficulty or chaos that day.  But each time, we chose to laugh about it, and recommit to the belief that we were having fun.  And I can say honestly that yesterday was a really fun day!

We know how to have a good time!

Christi



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