One of the reasons we (actually HE) wanted to have a farm was to bring about a “move more, play on a device less” lifestyle. So far, it is working!
We made two hikes yesterday after church. One to the “top field” to show off our progress to my son-in-law Jeremy. One through the valley, by the creek in some new territory. My husband loves to take the weedeater or a machete and make a path. There is a boyish romance to my husband’s desire to remove the sticky bushes from my path. I love it! It’s so sweet! Ok, this time it was more for reducing the whining of the littles but it’s still sweet.
We saw the kids “grow” in their confidence as they figured out some obstacles on their own. Not silently, mind you, there was some whining involved – they are still kids!
Confidence building is not one of things that we listed on our “reasons to buy a farm”. It wasn’t a planned confidence building exercise. It was just a by-product of being on the farm. We hiked, we talked about who’s pooping in our woods, we talked about why the deer would be near our creek, we talked about so many things – we are NOT quiet people. Some of the kids who are normally very timid, tried new things. They all took turns going off on their own, out of our sight for just a little bit to try their own way. They learned to go over, under, or around – and I put on my best Dora voice for that lesson. Hiking was fun!
But also, Poppaw worked a little on the play areas near the house. The areas where the kids tromp and make beautiful imaginary stories! And Grandma prays often that the kids are loud enough to scare off the snakes in their path! 
Just one new “secret path” that Poppaw cut. Because clearing all the weeds would defeat the “secretness” of the place. Smart Poppaw!
The kids reward for decreased whining on the hike, was their favorite new treat.
Eventually we had all played enough and wound down our day. Some of us with more style than others!
brandnewfarmers 
Looks like a good time. Glad you’re enjoying it.
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