My kids and I love to get out and get active together!  Whether it is simple swinging in the backyard or a bike ride through our neighborhood, the less we are in the house, the better!   I’ll admit that it is hard to get a 5, 4 and 2 year old to want to do the same thing at the same time.  I always have one that does not want to do that particular sport or outing.  So, at times I have had to get creative.

For instance, the other day I wanted to set up a kickball game in the back yard.  I used the kids baseball diamonds we had to spread the field out in our yard and pulled out the new pink playground ball I had gotten for less than $5.00, and called the kids out to play.  The girls were all for it.  Until they realized that they had to wait their turn!

Thinking as fast as I could, I decided that, instead of having them all wait while the other one kicked and ran the bases, I would take the chance to teach the non kicking children defense!  Only one at a time kicked and the other two and I were in the field chasing the ball!  It took some time to get it going but, by the end, all three were happy and sweaty and full of excitement over the new game we learned. And all it took was a playground ball and a mom who refused to let her kids sit inside on a gorgeous day!

And inspiration is everywhere!  Like on the TogetherCounts.com website!  Together Counts is a nationwide program inspiring active and healthy living. The principle behind our program is Energy Balance, which means balancing the calories we consume with the calories we burn.  It’s a first-of-its kind coalition that brings together more than 195 retailers, food and beverage manufacturers, restaurants, sporting goods and insurance companies, trade associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and professional sports organizations.  Campaign purpose is to get more families eating and getting active together, with a message of moderation.  You can find out more and sign your family up at http://www.togethercounts.com/home.

This is a great idea!  Especially for busy families that need that support and inspiration!  Sign up your family and enter your meals and activities and watch as others share what they have done too!  Keep track of your progress and help make being together a family tradition!

The program has been so successful that Together Counts is coming up on its first anniversary!  And to celebrate, you are getting the presents!  Hop over to Together Counts Facebook page and enter to WIN their Rewarding Healthy Families Sweepstakes!   Three (3) lucky winners will get a $25 Visa Gift Cards AND a George Foreman 3 serving grill!  The Grand Prize winner will receive a $250 Visa Gift Card and a one year membership to Anytime Fitness!  AND, you only have to enter once to be considered for all four drawings!  The contest ends April 26, 2012 so hurry and get over there!  And then head back to TogetherCounts.com and take the pledge to get together with your family too!

Love Twitter parties?  I do!  Learn more about TogetherCounts.com and get your shot at four (4) $50 Gift Cards (same as cash) at the party!  The Twitter party on 4/3 from 8-9 PM EST.  RSVP NOW for your shot at the prizes!  I’ll be there!

How do you get your family together?  Let me know and then log on to TogetherCounts.com and take the pledge!

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