Last weekend our family traveled several hours west to spend a few days with friends near the Frio River. I always love visiting that place. Tucked away from cell phone service and internet access, it is a gift of quiet connection in our increasingly noisy, constantly attached world. Each of our hearts and bodies wander and breathe more slowly, more deeply again, and we connect again in the simplest manners: conversations around a fire, simple meals, difficult hikes and refreshing play near the water, with sand or rocks. We are together and untethered at once, a rare gift for modern families.
On one morning, while hiking alone with my boys, we stopped to take in the view, to rest and appreciate our moment, our smallness. Liam turned to me and asked, “mom, can I take your picture with your hands to the sky? You’re always so free up here.” For all we hope to learn and notice about our children as parents, it is always the most humbling that they see us, too.
Although often brief and simple, I’m grateful for these small adventures with our children, the way they remind us to slow down and enjoy one another right now, to pause and welcome a new season.
Comments
I love keeping up with your family through your blog. Where do you camp or stay along the Frio? I’ve been wanting to take my kids on a trip to the hill country because I have great childhood memories of my own from there. Blessings to your family from ours!
Thank you, Whitney! We usually camp at Garner State Park, but this trip we stayed with the Kiesels at his parent’s cabin. It was such a treat. The only thing I would recommend about Garner is don’t go during a holiday weekend as it’s usually quite crowded and little noisier at night. I always think that place would be a fun group camping trip with other families. I hope you’re doing well! xo
Tears came to my eyes reading about Liam’s observation of your freedom in nature. How beautiful for him to take note and then express freedom as hands up towards the sky, surrendered and empowered all in one. It’s such a powerful reminder that my kids are watching my responses and demeanor to each environment. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, surrendered and empowered. I felt exactly the same way about his observations and realize sometimes they see more than I do. I forget the ways they are taking notice of me, too–the good and the ugly parts alike. ;) thank you, Becca.
So good! Always refreshing when you get perspective and return to normal everyday with renewed vigor.
I completely agree, Lilian. A weekend away always feels like a fresh blast of breath to my spirit.
this is wonderful. all of it. and it encourages me so much for our soon upcoming rockclimbing holidays with friends….to really use and enjoy that special time without internetaccess or limited/less of it. thank you for sharing. ♡ and btw: i’m so in love with your photos and wished i could learn from you…if we just would live closer. love, esther
Esther, I’m absolutely sure you will enjoy some really sweet adventures in your locale in the upcoming years. You already do! xo