Experience Nature

We had a wonderful camping trip last weekend. It was so relaxing and rejuvenating to be outdoors all weekend. We hiked to see 4 different waterfalls, which was a little way for me to share a family tradition with Flannery. Growing up, my family used to enjoy going on "waterfall hunts" in the North Georgia Mountains each fall when we were traveling for clogging conventions.

(This is the part where you say, "What? You were a clogger?" and picture me all dolled up with a crinoline, an apron, and a cowboy hat dancing on a mountain stage in a small town fair. And this is also the part where I change the subject quickly and hope my mom has burned any pictures of my skinny preteen knobby-kneed legs kicking up a "turkey step" beneath a purple gingham fluffy skirt.)

Annnyway. Back to the waterfalls.

They were beautiful. And kind of magical.

And despite the fact that I felt kind of sick the whole weekend (with a cough and cold kind of thing), and that the weather got pretty darn freezing on the first night, and that Flannery wanted to sleep with me, but didn't want covers (meanwhile, her sick mama's teeth were chattering!) all night, the camping trip was really marvelous. I wish we could spend more days outside in nature all day long. It's just so rejuvenating.










What activity rejuvenates you?

Our First Family Camping Experience

Here are some photos from our fun camping trip, as promised!

It was simply a lovely time. And the best thing was that we had no cell phone or internet service while we were there, so it was a real vacation from everything! Don't you love the trash bag in the family photo?






The guys deep in thought. I bet they're thinking about grilled meat.



The girlies were soooo sleepy, but naps just didn't happen the whole weekend. Too much excitement going on!



Amama got her wish to sleep in a tent through a rainy night...VERY rainy!




We're hoping to make camping a fun family tradition. It's something both Robi and I remember enjoying with each of our families when we were young. And since it was pretty successful (minus the thunderstorm!), we're hoping it will get more enjoyable the more we go. Fun!



What family traditions do you value from your childhood? What new traditions do you want to create for yourself now?

Experience Nature

There is nothing like being in nature to bring me a happiness boost.

Our camping trip was a wonderful success. Besides the first night, when it stormed for a few hours, we had a peaceful, relaxing, and generally fantastic time. We swam, we roasted marshmallows, we swung in the hammock, we saw a real live turtle, we watched the campfire crackle, we chased lightning bugs...it was a fun-packed weekend.

One of the best moments was when I was lying in the hammock with Flanna and her BFF, and we were looking up at the tall trees overhead. Flannery said, "Look, a flower!" At first, I didn't see it. But then, I figured out what she was seeing. The opening in the trees above us was flower-shaped. I just had to snap a pic to remember it.

More pics later, I promise!



How did you get to experience nature on this long weekend? Did it boost your happiness?

Anticipate Fun!

I know I talk about how much I love "anticipating fun" a LOT on this blog, but I just can't help myself!

My husband, daughter, and I are planning a camping trip for next weekend, and we're all really looking forward to it! The preparation we've done so far has really increased our happiness level as a family. Just planning the meals, discussing the possible events (fishing, s'mores, hiking, swimming!), and buying cute tiny camping gear for Flanna has boosted my happiness level tremendously! (Seriously, who can resist a tiny camping chair with a cupholder?)


What are you anticipating right now that brings you some happiness?