Here’s a little story about a time when the kids taught me a much-needed lesson in not rushing, and how to live in the moment.
It all started when we were leaving Potlach State Beach, and the kids didn’t want to get in the car.
I was like, “ok whatever. Run around the grass then while I put the snacks and towels and shovels in the car.”
I always had my eye on them but of course, they thought they were being sneaky when they went to hide behind a tree. I was like “oh guys, we’re leaving! I’m waaaaiting!”
Silence. Those stinkers were still hiding.
So then I was like, whatever! And threw all the crap back in the car, locked it again, and headed out toward the grass. I have to remind myself that we don’t always have to rush home, or to the next thing, or even it to make dinner “on time”.
As I jumped behind the tree to scare them, I realized they were … inside the tree. Because this tree was like some crazy thrown/cave/tree with multiple trunks reaching toward one huge leafy canopy. The kids were giggling and showed me their new fort. We crawled around it, weaved between the trunks, and sat in its arches, pretending that THIS was our new house.
The sun showed through the leaves and down into the kids’ little smiling faces and that tree was our whole world for that last hour. I’m really glad we didn’t miss all that to rush home.
Looking for other kid-friendly places along the Hood Canal? Check out our post on Hunter Farms!
Such inspiring stories Tonya. I love all the photos too !!
What fun. Didn’t realize you’d left the Central Coast. We lived in Auburn for a short time in 1988 when my husband was on contract at Boeing. It was like living in playground. Of course we were only there between April and July. I don’t think I would have enjoyed winter as much. Paso Robles weather has me spoiled.
Yep, we left in August so we even got a little Washington summer to enjoy. The fall rain clears up most days so that’s been nice. I heard it might be a snowy winter!! I’ll have to Google Auburn. Sounds lovely!!! Good to hear from you!