It always amazes me how families spend beautiful Saturdays and Sundays indoors. Take your typical family and ask them what they did last weekend. More often than not you'll hear the same old story time and again..... "Nothing." And what is meant by "nothing?" In today's day and age "nothing" is our way of saying that everyone in the house spent time in their own rooms on their own computers or TVs doing their own thing. What has happened to the American family?

Alright, so maybe I'm laying it on a bit thick. But who doesn't live near a park with a body of water? I've been all over this country for both work and pleasure and I have yet to find a place that doesn't have canoe rentals nearby. True, the average person probably doesn't notice what's in their own backyard. I, on the other hand, take notice of every lake, river, stream, and drainage ditch that I pass. It's hard not to notice how blessed this country is with fresh water abounding in almost every geographic location under the red, white, and blue.

From all of this flows the obvious suggestion. Why not take the family canoeing? It doesn't need to be a big deal requiring loads of pre-work and preparation. Just pick a day, pack some lunches and rent some canoes. Canoe rentals are relatively inexpensive and generally structured by the hour, half-day, or day. A day on the water (especially for those not used to it) provides for some great life lessons as well as some much needed quality time with your loved ones. Let's face it, in this digital age, how often do you actually spend doing or discussing things with those you love?

And if you're already an avid canoeist, this is your chance to share your passion and introduce your kids and spouse to the sport you cherish so much. So why not break the routine of staying indoors on the weekends and take the family on a canoeing adventure? I can guarantee you'll create a memory (good or bad...) you won't soon forget.

Photo © by George E. Sayour, licensed to About.com