| My wife and I are constantly looking for new activities | | | | the kids. But then my daughter pointed out that the key |
| we can do with our kids. By no means are we big | | | | to it is strategy like capture the flag, not annihilating |
| game hunters, but we do enjoy the outdoors. The kids | | | | everything in sight. Turns out she was very right. |
| have plenty of team sports that they participate in | | | | So, it was decided that we were going paintballing. |
| where we watch with enthusiasm, but we really enjoy | | | | Then the research began on how to go about getting |
| the bonding that comes with activities we can all | | | | my brood of Rambos suited up and ready to play. I |
| participate in. We've been known to load up the bikes | | | | found a couple of paintball fields within an easy drive |
| on the back of the family truckster and take off in | | | | of our house and found out what each of them has to |
| search of new and unexplored bike trails taking in | | | | offer. Most fields offer both walk-on play and private |
| rivers, streams and all the other natural beauty the | | | | play. Although our family is on the large side we can't |
| countryside has to offer. There's also always a pick up | | | | field two opposing armies, so we opted to join a |
| basketball game to get into in the driveway, and when | | | | weekend walk-on game. The paintball field rented us all |
| we put up the volleyball net in the yard we can spend | | | | the equipment we needed including guns, goggles, |
| the entire weekend playing volleyball or badminton. | | | | masks and other protective equipment. We were also |
| There's just something about friendly competition and | | | | able to purchase our paintballs there. Contrary to their |
| enjoying spending time with your family that outdoor | | | | name, there is no paint in them. It is vegetable oil and |
| activities can provide. But recently we found ourselves | | | | food dye. So technically you could eat one, although I |
| in a rut. We needed something new and exciting to | | | | wouldn't recommend it. |
| engage all of us. We ran through our list - hiking, biking, | | | | The weekend came and there we were on the field |
| skiing, boating, skating, soccer, touch football, softball. | | | | ready for battle. There was plenty of running, jumping, |
| What else could there be? Half-jokingly my wife | | | | hiding, shooting, and most importantly laughs all around. |
| through out paintball. | | | | We had a ball with paintball. It's as face paced as you |
| After she said it we all just sat there. No one spoke. | | | | want it to be with a great adrenaline rush no matter |
| We just sat there thinking about it. Then we all came | | | | how fast you play it. We got to spend the day outside |
| to the same conclusion at the same time. Paintball! Of | | | | bonding even if some of us were the enemy. It's a |
| course, why not? It's athletic, it's outside, it's competitive, | | | | family activity and fond memory we will always |
| and it's everything we look for in a family activity. We | | | | cherish. At least until we go back to the paintball field |
| had a brief second thought that maybe it was too | | | | and play again next week. |
| violent, and that maybe it sent the wrong message to | | | | |