In the Mountains

I love that we live so close to beautiful mountains, streams, outdoor exploring and fun. Our kids really love being outside and going on family adventures. We decided this past weekend, it was time to head to the mountains.

We discovered a wonderful spot many years ago, and we return here for family fun, memories, and adventure.

"The mountains are calling and I must go." John Muir

Upon arriving, the kids discovered THOUSANDS of tadpoles. I mean, they were everywhere, but they were in stagnant pools. So, they decided we needed to build a dam to divert the water to the pools and bring in some fresh water. Everyone set to work.

And by everyone, I mean everyone but me, because I'm the photographer, and Avery, because she's the baby. I know she's four and a half, but she's still the baby of our family.

She decided it was a good time to practice ballet on a rock and sing praise songs to the trees. She's quite the little performer, and she LOVES to sing.

This took a pretty good while, so it was time for a picnic lunch. Everything tastes better next to a mountain stream, that's our motto.

Avery preferred her little chair.

Then it was time to get back to the tadpoles.

"Instead of raising children who turn out okay despite their childhood, let's raise children who turn out extraordinary because of their childhood." L.R. Knost

See all those black dots? Tadpoles. I know, kinda icky if you really look at all of them. And if you're like me. But definitely not if you are them! They were fascinated by them, and we brought little test tubes to catch them in, of course.

Part of why I love it so much here is that my kids are entertained just by nature. And so are we. There is no cell service, so there's no technology temptation from anyone. There's just rocks, water, mountains and exploring to do.

Then it was time to explore across the stream. You have to jump from rock to rock to get there.

"There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million." Walt Streightiff

Then it was discovered that the waterfall really wasn't slippery at all, and you could sit in it, slide down it, and have a blast in the waterfall.

"It remains a mystery exactly how interests develop. But it is certain that they set us aglow. They kindle enthusiasm like tinder catching flame. When pursuing their interests, children know for sure that the world offers adventures perfectly suited to them." Laura Grace Weldon

These are the memories of my children's childhoods. I encourage you to find adventures together that your family enjoys, and be intentional about pursuing them. Your kids won't forget them!

I don't recommend this.

It's a rattlesnake. Even though I grew up in the South, I can't say I've ever seen one. It was as we were leaving, and I had no idea they were even found in these mountains we love. Nevertheless, it didn't phase our kids. They thought it was cool, and were all hanging out the window to get a closer look.

It was a wonderful family day, and if you guessed that we returned home with a few more "pets", you are absolutely right! We seem to be creating a little zoo at our house.

Comments

[Renee]

One of the things that I love about your family is how you love your time together in the mountains. It is part of your family identity to have favorite places to go back to time after time to enjoy God's creation and each other. I love it! And Avery dancing on the rocks makes me smile!!!

[Renee]

Back again to say look how tall Ansley is! I have enjoyed watching her grow up through pictures through the years. :)