It started as a day trip that Mom and her friend Margie cooked up for themselves and their kids. They just wanted to give us a fun outing.

It grew into a tradition that lasted over several years. They called it “Why-Not Days.”

The moms didn’t tell their kids until the morning of the trip. On that first day Mom and the five of us kids climbed into our 9-passenger station wagon and drove to Margie’s house, where we picked her up and her four kids. Nine kids between the ages of 3 and 14 squeezed into the two back seats of the 3-seat car. We went to the Stillaguamish River in Granite Falls where we played in the water, hiked, and ate our picnic lunch.

It was quite a hit

From then on, whenever we had a Why-Not Day, Mom told us her plan over breakfast. It became a ritual that consisted of  possible chores for the day and her children responding in unison. It went something like this: Mom said, “Let’s work in the yard today,” We’d respond, “Not today, Mom!” So she’d try again, “How about you clean your rooms? “Not today, Mom!” we would reply. Finally Mom would say, “Well, then, let’s go play in the river!”

“Why not, Mom!” And away we’d go to the river, or the zoo, or to a park.

My brother Tim recalls the day Mom said we’d be going to a different country. He was only six-years-old, and “the thought of leaving home and country was terrifying. But off we went to Margie’s house and to Auntie Bet’s house to pick them and their kids up. Then off to the strange land—Canada. We laughed. We sang. We laughed and sang a lot. And after driving forever, we made it to Queen Elizabeth Park. It was magical. It was a great day that was repeated so many times.”

How many kids?

With my aunt’s kids added to the mix we had a dozen children in the car. Peach reminded me about the Customs officer who was working the lane we pulled into on one of our trips to Canada. “He looked through the window of the car and counted the passengers. He was a bit overwhelmed at all of us. He did wish us a great time, but I think perhaps he had a good story to share that evening when he got home.”

Happy kids make great helpers

Songs and humor were in great supply in the back of that station wagon. We kids felt so loved and safe, and so comfortable together. No fighting or fussing, just fun.

Mom had a secret weapon that always kept us happy. Cookies. The moms would each pack a lunch for their crew, but there were plenty of cookies to pass around on the long drive. Her speciality was enormous sugar cookies with frosting. She used a 1-pond coffee can as her cookie cutter. She called them Meal-and-a-Halfers.

If our trip took us longer than expected, we’d finish up the leftovers from lunch, though those cookies also kept us from starvation. And when we’d find a drive-in we’d stop for ice cream cones.

We’d fall into bed those nights, worn out and ready for a good sleep. The next day everyone was in good humor and we’d all pitch in, doing the chores that Mom had suggested the day before.

Some of our favorite outings

Woodland Park Zoo was always a big hit with us, especially the monkeys playing on their island and the bears lounging on their rocks.

And then there were the parks. We loved Larrabee State Park on Chuckanut Drive, just south of Bellingham. We’d perform for each other on the stage at the park or hike the trails.

Just a few miles north of Larrabee is Fairhaven Park. Mom’s most memorable Why-Not Day happened there.

This park had the regular toys—swings, slide, other normal stuff—but they also had “spring rider” playground toys. They are pretty sturdy, but are designed for younger kids.

Brother Tom and I were in our mid-teens and we wanted to be cool. But Mom had grown out of that stage of life and was more interested in embarrassing her kids. When I grew up and had kids of my own I did the same thing. I now know that it’s God’s gift to moms to keelp their kids from being too cool.

While we were busy trying to be cool Mom mounted the horse and started “riding.” If you ride one of those things hard enough you can almost get it to touch the ground in front of you and behind you. All of a sudden it bucked her off. She flew over its head and landed in a heap, laughing and laughing. Margie joined  in the laughter. Two crazy moms, embarrassing their trying-to-be-cool kids!

Just so you know, Mom was not hurt. And she’s the one who brought up Fairhaven Park when we talked about Why-Not Days. She gave me permission to share this story. You’re so cool, Mom!

Queen Elizabeth Park

You’ve already heard Tim’s response to Queen Elizabeth Park. Interestingly, his twin Ted has his own story about the park that he shared with me.

“Why-Not Days were always the best. As a boy that never sat still, I remember Mom would pack the car with kids and drive us to Vancouver BC to play in the park(s). My favorite was Queen Elizabeth Park and its amazing garden. There was almost a reverence about that place that made you want to slow down and just take in the wonders of nature. Fifty-five years later I still love to wander through gardens and forests, God’s handiwork.

“I know that we went to other places but the only one that just lives in my thoughts is the park. I’ve always imagined that that level of beauty is what God has always wanted to share with mankind. But we’re too busy hating and judging each other to see the full beauty of real love.”

Mom says her favorite part of Why-Not Days was seeing the kids have so much fun. Peach says she loved all the fun we had with family, cousins, and friends. I loved the parks, especially Queen Elizabeth. Looking back on that part of my life, I am especially thankful for the moms who planned these outings for the joy of it. I’m grateful that they were women who could laugh, even at themselves, and they loved the sound of our laughter and songs. I feel incredibly blessed for Why-Not Days and what they represent in my life.

“Hmmm,” says Tim. “I’m thinking I need a Why-Not Day before the month is out.” Good idea, Tim! May I join you?

I found the red station wagon full of kids here. It’s not us, but there were several kids in the window that looked a lot like members of our crew.