Inspired by Dad: Hour-by-Hour Guide to the Longest Day of the Year
The longest day of the year falls on a Sunday this year, so most of us will be lucky enough to enjoy the extra hours of daylight outside and spend time with dear ol' dad. That's right! From sunrise to sunset, it's also Father's Day on June 21. So I got to thinking, how would my own dad make the most of the day? That's why we made this hour-by-hour guide of how to spend the day outside, inspired by the main man himself—and all of the other awesome dads out there. Because after all, father knows best.
We hope you got a good night's sleep last night because we've got a big day planned. My dad is an early riser and a pretty efficient guy, so he wouldn't want to waste a second of the day. Set your alarm clock to catch the sunrise at 5:26 a.m. (at least that's when it will be up in New York). The stunning views and calming mood will set the tone for the whole day ahead, so it's well worth the wake-up call.
The early bird catches way more than just the worm. There are a number of benefits to morning exercise (and a great justification for guilt-free fun later in the day). My dad likes to go for a walk around his neighborhood with headphones on and a giant (somewhat embarrassing) walking stick in hand. Maybe your dad is a runner, or even a yogi. We're definitely down for some extra sun salutations today!
The jury's out on whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it's still our favorite. My dad definitely prefers a tall stack of pancakes to a healthy, well-balanced breakfast. But we think a fun way to give a nod to the Summer Solstice is with a plate of eggs—sunny side up, of course! Ok fine, maybe we'll add a side of pancakes, too.
You've been awake for a few hours already... and haven't wished your dad a happy Father's Day? Oops! We haven't either. We hate to interrupt our previously scheduled guide. But you need to pick up the phone and give him an old fashioned phone call. If he's anything like my dad, texting is more frustrating and confusing than it is speedy.
Ok, back to it! Whenever I smell freshly cut grass, I think of my dad. And that's because he always seems to be cutting the grass! Put yourself in his shoes, start up the mower or tractor, and let's make that lawn the best looking one on the block! While you're at it, there's probably some other yard work to do, or some bird feeders to refill, or some flowers to plant to brighten up the garden.
After all that exercise and yard work, well, you kinda stink, just like dad. Time to hit the showers! My dad loves taking outdoor showers when we're on summer vacation. If he had his way, he would have an outdoor shower at the house (which is nowhere near the beach). And I guarantee he would use it all winter long if he could, too.
After that productive morning, it's time to relax. When my dad wants to kick back, he'll pick up whatever book he's reading at the moment (usually a thrilling mystery, historical fiction, or science fiction pick) and transport to another world. Find a nice shady nook in your (spruced up) yard or patio and get caught up in some adventures.
My dad and the rest of my family have really been trying to eat healthier in the past few months. So I've seen the man who only ever ate steak and potatoes start to actually enjoy eating fresh salads and vegetables. How amazing would it be to use your garden as your own personal salad bar? And, of course, eat it outside after you fix it up!
We're all about getting ample sunshine today, but remember to be safe about it! The sun is at its peak in the mid-afternoon, so apply (and reapply) your sunscreen. My dad's always been a bit of a sun-worshipping beach bum, so on the longest day of the year, I know he'd want to find at least an hour to sit and catch a few rays.
Feeling hot, hot hot? Us too! So it's time for a swim, one of my dad's favorite summer activities. If there's no pool nearby, you can always go old school. Back in the day, my dad would often hook up the hose to the sprinkler and let me and my siblings run through the backyard. But this was usually after we used the hose to wash his car first. Hmm, I think he was onto something!
1. See the Sunrise: 5:26 a.m.
We hope you got a good night's sleep last night because we've got a big day planned. My dad is an early riser and a pretty efficient guy, so he wouldn't want to waste a second of the day. Set your alarm clock to catch the sunrise at 5:26 a.m. (at least that's when it will be up in New York). The stunning views and calming mood will set the tone for the whole day ahead, so it's well worth the wake-up call.
2. Get Your Sweat On: 6:28 a.m.
The early bird catches way more than just the worm. There are a number of benefits to morning exercise (and a great justification for guilt-free fun later in the day). My dad likes to go for a walk around his neighborhood with headphones on and a giant (somewhat embarrassing) walking stick in hand. Maybe your dad is a runner, or even a yogi. We're definitely down for some extra sun salutations today!
3. Serve 'em Sunny Side Up: 7:27 a.m.
The jury's out on whether breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it's still our favorite. My dad definitely prefers a tall stack of pancakes to a healthy, well-balanced breakfast. But we think a fun way to give a nod to the Summer Solstice is with a plate of eggs—sunny side up, of course! Ok fine, maybe we'll add a side of pancakes, too.
4. Wait! Call Your Dad! 8:30 a.m.
You've been awake for a few hours already... and haven't wished your dad a happy Father's Day? Oops! We haven't either. We hate to interrupt our previously scheduled guide. But you need to pick up the phone and give him an old fashioned phone call. If he's anything like my dad, texting is more frustrating and confusing than it is speedy.
5. Clean Up the Yard: 9:31 a.m.
Ok, back to it! Whenever I smell freshly cut grass, I think of my dad. And that's because he always seems to be cutting the grass! Put yourself in his shoes, start up the mower or tractor, and let's make that lawn the best looking one on the block! While you're at it, there's probably some other yard work to do, or some bird feeders to refill, or some flowers to plant to brighten up the garden.
6. Take an Outdoor Shower: 10:29 a.m.
After all that exercise and yard work, well, you kinda stink, just like dad. Time to hit the showers! My dad loves taking outdoor showers when we're on summer vacation. If he had his way, he would have an outdoor shower at the house (which is nowhere near the beach). And I guarantee he would use it all winter long if he could, too.
7. Grab a Good Book: 11:27 a.m.
After that productive morning, it's time to relax. When my dad wants to kick back, he'll pick up whatever book he's reading at the moment (usually a thrilling mystery, historical fiction, or science fiction pick) and transport to another world. Find a nice shady nook in your (spruced up) yard or patio and get caught up in some adventures.
8. Pick Your Lunch: 12:32 p.m.
My dad and the rest of my family have really been trying to eat healthier in the past few months. So I've seen the man who only ever ate steak and potatoes start to actually enjoy eating fresh salads and vegetables. How amazing would it be to use your garden as your own personal salad bar? And, of course, eat it outside after you fix it up!
9. Soak Up Some Rays: 1:27 p.m.
We're all about getting ample sunshine today, but remember to be safe about it! The sun is at its peak in the mid-afternoon, so apply (and reapply) your sunscreen. My dad's always been a bit of a sun-worshipping beach bum, so on the longest day of the year, I know he'd want to find at least an hour to sit and catch a few rays.
10. Go for a Dip: 2:31 p.m.
Feeling hot, hot hot? Us too! So it's time for a swim, one of my dad's favorite summer activities. If there's no pool nearby, you can always go old school. Back in the day, my dad would often hook up the hose to the sprinkler and let me and my siblings run through the backyard. But this was usually after we used the hose to wash his car first. Hmm, I think he was onto something!