in the mountains

This past weekend, we went up to the mountains for a long weekend. The weekend was not without bumps. Some of them big. (Oh, I have so much to say, so much in my heart, about this emotional shift in parenting a pre-teen.) But overall ("net net" as M would say), it was a connected, soul filling time together, with my parents.

 

Above and below...same location, same hike. Summer and winter are a little mixed up this year.

 

In the creek with my kiddos. Making fairy houses, above, and racing kid-made stick and bark rafts, below.

 

My dad invited the kids mountain biking, a favorite activity with Nonno, for Little Brown Mouse. M and I invited ourselves along. It was great fun! I ride my bike on a trainer several times a week, so it felt wonderful to get it out on a trail. M used to ride a lot, but a horrendous commute has taken its toll, so he felt so happy to get some exercise out in nature. And the wildflowers were eye candy.

 

The fireworks were beautiful. My mom packed up a little post-dinner dessert snack and we sat on the beach, nibbling and reading while we waited for it to get dark.

 And restful pleasure. I brought an Independence Day appropriate puzzle for whoever was interested below. The kids also spent a lot of time reading, because my parents had taken them to the library and they signed up for the local summer reading program!  And above, my dad, who models what self-care can be. I found him on the deck before 7am, with his cappuccino, chocolate croissant, sudoku, and birding binoculars. (I had come up for a cup of tea after journaling on the deck below him. What is missing in this photo is the beautiful view of the trees and creek and the sound of the gushing creek water.)

We are so grateful to my Mom and Dad, for inviting us and spoiling us. A lovely long weekend!