Enchanted Mama

Pause and Listen::

This was one of my favorite days on our recent vacation.  

The day spent, in the forest of Yosemite, frolicking through the rain.  Completely by ourselves as everyone else must have been tucked inside by the fires.  The sensible people.  But we, our family of six donned our rain gear and set out for a morning adventure.  

Puddles were splashed through.  Creeks were crossed.  Laughter heard in the otherwise quiet forest.  When we stepped gingerly through the pine needles not a sound was heard but the patter of rain.  

It was magical.  

A moment to remember.  

The quiet of the rain seemed to quiet the children as well. There were whispers of voices, heads tilted toward the tall trees and rain boots that found their way over rocks that lined the creek.  The big daddy and I watched in silence.  And smiled.

There's something so peaceful about nature if only we pause and listen.  

Thank goodness we did.   

 

Untamed::

There is something untamed and beautiful about the forests left undisturbed.  An area that exudes epic vistas at every turn.  A place that draws you in and you find yourself and all your children walking five miles and hardly noticing.  

This national treasure sees millions of visitors a year.  Travelers from all over the world.  Speaking many different languages.  Looking for different experiences.  

 

For spring break this year we spent a lovely time with dear friends camping by the beach and enjoying time together as our children grow.  Dipping our feet in the ocean and  sharing thoughts and ideas.  

Then we traveled to Yosemite National Park.  A few days to take in the forest and the wonder that it owns--from sunshine and cool breeze, to a day of rain and waking up to snowfall on all the mountains surrounding us.  

Breathtaking. yes.  

I find that traveling with children can be equally exciting as well as exhausting.  Anyone else feel that?  

With so much to see and do.  We had to adjust our plans for the wide range of children's ages.  Almost thirteen to twenty months.  There were backpacks and carriers and rides on shoulders.  There were snacks packed into bags and pulled out when we all needed a break.  Water bottles toted for the miles we trekked.  

Full was our experience.  As well fun and challenging at times.  

Somehow this vacation opened up as many doors of possibility as it did to closing others.  Somehow that seems just about right.  

I know having four children is "the adventure" and no amount of traveling is necessary to see those epic views, rambling streams and opportunities around each bend in the road.  

 

So as we settle into being home and being present for the last month or two of school I find myself quite grateful.  

Grateful to live in a lovely town that has so much to offer.

Grateful for the opportunity to travel with all that it brings.   

Grateful for my little family and all the moments good and challenging that we experience everyday.  

Grateful to take a deep breath and know that I will be waking in my own bed for a while.  Something about that feels extra great.  

How are you feeling today?  

 

p.s. Anyone notice the tree trunk that my son is standing on in the shape of a heart? 

 

 

 

Beauty::

 

An Art Installation of Ten Thousand Paper Cranes.

Beauty amongst the flurry of an international airport.

Something I want to remember this season.

 

Happy Holidays to you all!