The kids and I wanted to head up to cooler climates more this summer (more me, encouraging them that it will be fun, cooler and we can make a great day of it and them agreeing). So this week, we headed to Sedona and played in the icy cold river water. This wasn't just cold water, it was arctic cold water - like flex every muscle in your body kinda cold. We got used to it quickly thankfully. The kids and I perched under a tree and set up camp for the day.
This is one of those days I'll never forget…no electronics, no rush to be anywhere, no worries for that short period of time. I want to experience more days like this…away, in swimming holes, making sure my kids have adventure, exploration and fun outside with nature. I grew up camping every summer as a kid and the memories of being outside, doing what I wanted and learning new things (fishing….I love to fish now) are experiences that stayed with me. I want these memories for my kids. I want these memories for myself. This is their childhood and I want to be 'in the moment' like this as much as we can.
The kids spent the day sliding down rocks like watersides and have bruises and cuts to prove it lol. I was afraid to slide but told them that the next visit (they're begging to go again next week) I would 'slide' and maybe jump off a cliff into the water. They can't wait to go back.
Oh and Brielle was the Butterfly Whisperer…she had 3 surrounding her. And 2 perch on her fingers. Loved her laugh when they flew away - pure joy. Ty had one land on his finger too, but he was all about hitting the rocks for more sliding.
On our way home we stopped for a treat at Dairy Queen in Camp Verde (a rare treat), it was the perfect end to an active day…ice cream, creek water hair, sun-kissed skin and tired but happy faces. The perfect summer day.
had to collage some of the images below - it seems to tell a better story.
Stormy, moody clouds in one direction and less threatening clouds in the other.
Rough little clip of the kids sliding. It was slippery so everyone moves very cautiously and slowly. I'm surprised there weren't more injuries but it was fun and totally worth the bruises and cuts, according to my kids.
Not in focus on her face since she moved quickly but this is after the butterfly flew off her finger. She was truly was liked by these butterflies. Kids started surrounding her watching.
One landed on Ty too.
not sure what they see here…Brielle said that puddle had warm water in it. Um, was it really water she found? kidding.
Genuine affection. This melts my momma heart.
Not in focus with me laughing as I'm trying to take this, Ty is running away from the pick-up counter with both ice-creams. Brielle, trying to catch-up.
'Let's race back to the car!'
Ty won!