Adventuring With Kids
I have to admit that I feel fortunate to be energized by the various pursuits I engage in for work. It often feels less like work and more like I'm exploring passions I would happily do for free if I didn't have financial commitments. Because of this, I'm not the best at intentionally unplugging. I pack a lot of fun into my work-filled weeks with a relatively flexible, self-curated schedule. As a result, I often feel like I'm basking in the gift of my own life.
Recently, I realized it had been nearly a year since I took a full week off work - yikes! Regardless of how content we feel in our professional pursuits, it's crucial to unplug and get away from time to time. If not for any other reason than to create space between ourselves and our day-to-day routine, so we can see and feel how we relate to it when we return refreshed and anew.
I decided to lean into the Memorial Day timeframe and take advantage of a few extra "bonus" days off in addition to a full week away. What would we do? The options feel more expansive now than ever.
When the kids were younger and more dependent, sending them to a sitter for a few days while I was off allowed me to tackle house projects, cleaning, and culling. Now at ages five and six, my kids are a great hang altogether. They like snacks - I like snacks. They love bodies of water big and small - so do I. Movie nights, whether in a theater or curled up on our couch, are joyful shared experiences filled with presence and giggles. As I explored activity options during this chunk of time off to kick off their summer, I found myself reminded of how much of this world is new to them. If they haven't seen it on TV, it's their first time encountering nature's greatest and simplest gifts. Do you even recall the awe of seeing a body of water, mountain, honeybee, or gas station slushie for the first time? It's all magnificent, profound, and impressive - every new experience shaping how they organize their expanding worlds.
Potential destinations included Lake Michigan, New River Gorge, Asheville, and Madison. Each place had its unique draw, but we landed on Red River Gorge for the simple pursuit of nature. No frills necessary - we could open our door and explore forests, trails, water, a fire pit, and limitless space to roam and let our minds rest from the hustle. We could get a little "bored" in the brain and let our souls jolt awake.
I booked an Airbnb with a nice porch for laying out my yoga mat. Waking up to birdsong amidst towering trees, syncing my breath with nature's rhythm - what a gift. The kids even stretched on their own mats too. Ages five and six have been great for adventuring - less gear to schlep given their independence, deep curiosity sparking elation with each new experience. They can carry their own backpacks and water bottles, open snacks. It's less dragging them along and more of us moving in lockstep. I feel so connected to these two and grateful isn’t a powerful enough word to describe what the experience of life with them is.
My daughter has been interested in collecting leaves that she likes. While she’s lost in her own thoughts, I watch her tracing the veins in the leaves, gently pulling her finger across the edges. My son gets lost finding sticks and swinging them around, tapping trees that come along his path.
Of course we packed some activities and fun from home, too. Click HERE to download my adventuring with kids packing guide. The one thing you find here that I shamelessly included in the haul was the espresso maker. - you know how I feel about my morning ritual. THIS is the playlist we have had on repeat while we have been here.
