011. Backyard Camp-out

This past Friday night, I had my 2 oldest nieces over for a backyard camp-out. Overall, I would say it was a success. My sister dropped the girls off with their little suitcases and a container of plastic animals (Sadie). When we finally got to our backyard, James was there to help us set up the tent. As soon as it was somewhat assembled, they both jumped in. I then snapped the only 2 photos I took that night. I wish I would have had my camera ready, but it forced me to stay present with them, rather than taking a hundred photos.

We made s'mores over the fire, played hide-and-seek (which was really fun), chased Henry around, sat on James' dirt bike (Mabie was obsessed and did not want to get off), colored, read books, watched a movie in the air-conditioned house, and then headed to bed. Sleeping on an air mattress with 2 children is not the best night's sleep I have ever had, but fun nonetheless.

Mabie was excited. Notice Henry is the background.

Sadie pulling the sleeping bag in and Henry relaxing in the grass.

I really enjoyed Friday with James and the girls. They are extremely funny and sweet and had us laughing most of their visit. I love to watch James interact with the girls. During hide-and-seek, James instructed them to hide in the most random spots. Mabie ran to hide in the tent and I could hear her zip open the door and Sadie went under the tent. When I found Mabie she couldn't contain her excitement that her sister was underneath her hiding spot. If I wouldn't have heard Sadie, Mabie's fixation on the lump under the tent would have given away her sister's location. James then helped them hide on top of the washer. When I opened the door, they were both pleased with their creative hiding spot.

Later, we decided to give Henry a bath after noticing a couple of fleas (damn you summer)! Sadie, the animal lover, joined me. Throughout the entire process she kept petting him and in her most reassuring voice saying, "It's okay buddy. You're doing a good job. It's okay boy." So sweet! I know I say it a lot and even write about it, but I absolutely love being an aunt.

I was able to be in the moment with Sadie and Mabie. I tend to be a worrier and forget to be present. You cannot do that with a 6 and 3 year old in your care. Children want your time and attention, which reminds me of a quote a saw a few weeks ago, "Your children need your presence more than your presents." 

Memories are more valuable than stuff.

009. Nature, Connection and Creativity

Sunday was such a great day. It's been a while since James and I explored nature together. When we first started dating we frequently went on mini-adventures. Then, day to day responsibilities of life got in the way of us actually getting to enjoy life. Ironic, right?

We decided to head to the Icehouse Canyon Trail in Mt. Baldy with Henry in tow...of course! When we arrived, it seemed that we were the only ones without trekking poles (I had to Google the technical term for this post) and I was a little worried. James assured me that we could do without, and up we went.

Taking a break to drink water/play with rocks.

The hike was a pretty steep incline the entire way up complete with rocks, narrow passageways, and old stone steps. As we continued our ascent, we followed along a creek. Henry kept up with us, climbing the rocks we easily stepped over. He would occasionally stop and drink from the creek or attempt to dig rocks out of the dirt (per usual).

I enjoyed being disconnected from my cell phone, computer, and just the general noise of the world. It gave me time to truly be in the moment and feel connected to myself and James. I value the non-distracted time James and I spend together. When you live with a partner, it's easy to fall into a rut of not spending quality time together. It was wonderful being together without any interruptions.

At one point, we stopped for a moment to drink some water and have a snack. We came upon a stone fireplace. We both were fascinated by this, not sure what the story was behind the stone remains. So of course, I had to research what this fireplace used to belong to. I found some interesting information about an old wood and stone resort. The resort existed in the area from 1921 to the 1980's, before burning down in a mysterious fire. I love history.

A fireplace is all that remains of Ice House Canyon Resort.  

Trees. Glorious trees.

On our drive home we started talking about what we should do that day. It was pretty apparent that both of us were feeling like we wanted to do something creative. James said he wanted to build a workbench and I felt like painting. We looked up plans and went to the local hardware store to buy the supplies for his workbench. When we got home, James immediately started working on his project. I haven't painted in a while, but there was something about connecting to myself and connecting to my partner that really inspired me to sit down at a canvas and just start painting. I set my easel in the backyard and began painting images of trees.

Sunday was a great reminder of the similar interests that James and I share. We both enjoy nature, being active, creating and exploring. Lately with bills, chores, and other obligations, we forget to sit still, live simply and do the things that light the fire inside of us. I am grateful for the time we spend together.