Saying Yes.

When the kids heard that it was snowing a mere 2 hours north (and not the kind of snow that melts before it hits the ground, this was actual snow), we were met with cries of, "Can we please please pleaseeee go see the snow?"

Sure it would have been easy to tell them no, that daddy was working, and it was a weeknight, but something in me thought, "why not?"  I called Jon at work, he rescheduled the rest of his appointments for the day (it was a slow day anyway), and we hit the road.

We originally intended to drive to Savannah, but our gas light came on around 2 hours from home, and when we pulled off for gas, there was actual snow on the ground!  Another family was already there, all bundled up, watching as their children built a snowman, so we pulled on the kids mucking boots (we're from Florida - that's all you need down here), and let them run wild in the field next to the gas station.

Sometimes, you just have to say yes.

Yes to adventure.
Yes to exploration.
Yes to experiences.
Yes to the unknown.
Yes to making memories.

Your whole family will be better for it.
Trust me.

We will always remember that time we hopped in the van, drove across the state line, and played in the snow by a roadside fruit stand.

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Surprises

This boy.

Our cautious child.

He's always been slower to try new things than the others, and the older he grew, the more cautious he became.  Refusing to try new foods (even foods that he once ate daily) until he was living on a diet of flavorless cardboard type foods (like cheerios and dry toast).

He stopped wanting to jump in the pool, though he used to do it all the time.  Even refusing to ride the small roller coaster at Disney.

Until recently. 

One day, he began to emerge from his cave of cautiousness, taking one tiny step at a time - "Mom, can I have butter on my toast?"

"I'll try some of that Chinese food."

"I'll come with you to ride the roller coaster."

"I really want to do the Flow Rider on our Thanksgiving cruise."

And you know what?  He was awesome.  Even the lifeguard stood up and clapped for him.

So mamas, if you're stuck in plain cheerio-land, don't worry.  We were there for a couple of years.

You will get out. 

Maybe not on your call, but you will get out.

Your kiddo will come around in time. 

It's up to you to always offer the new foods/opportunities/experiences, but be ok with it if your child turns them down. 

One day, they just might surprise you.

And it will make your mama heart soar.

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Beach Mode

Just a quick post because I'd forgotten how absolutely gorgeous this local beach spot can be. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is absolutely gorgeous, and we frequently visit there for a peaceful walk through the gardens before letting the kids run wild on the playground.  Directly across A1A, the park has parking for beach access to one of the most beautiful parts of the beach in Flagler County.  

At $5 per car load, you can park, and walk onto the largest beach in the county.  Due to close waters and erosion, no where else in Flagler County can you enjoy such a vast expanse of sand before reaching the water. 

The kids love to run wild and free here, as well as carefully climb over the huge rock mounds, exploring the the holes containing an assortment of snails and crabs.  

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Goodbye May

I'm not much for Summer time, but I do love me some May.  It's hot, but not stifling, and all the "regular" kids are still in school so we can have all the great swimming spots practically to ourselves.

Our most recent favorite is Alexander Springs.  It's the best we've been to for the little ones because you enter the water at about one foot depth, almost like a beach.

There are tons of picnic tables, grills, a gift shop, and restrooms.  Plus, a couple of hiking trails.

Cole found this "rootbeer leaf" (it smelled like flat soda), and couldn't resist making everyone take a whiff.

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, all the great swimming spots will undoubtedly be littered with families, busy making memories of their own.

And though I find it wonderful to see them out there, adventuring and enjoying the beauty of this little planet we call home, I can't help but wish for a little bit more May.  When the other families are back in school, and we have the place to ourselves.

There's something so magical that happens when you are out in nature on your own.  It's like the latch is lifted on your imagination and you can be anywhere, anyone, at any time.  I am able to envision more easily the Timucua people who inhabited the land in years long past, and what their life may have been like when the radio of the couple next to me isn't constantly pulling my awareness back to 2017.

We studied Florida history this year, and along with it, read a wonderful book about the Timucua people. They are fresh in our minds, so when Bent spotted a sign at the springs about the Timucua Indians, it was easy for us to imagine how they lived and where they may have hunted and fished.
(I will post an affiliate link to the book below for those of you who may be interested).

This is one thing homeschooling does for him that I very rarely saw during his stint in public school.  It allows him to really explore certain subjects with enough depth that it raises his awareness to the subject in the real world, naturally helping him to make connections.

I really blame the Charlotte Mason method for this, but that is a post for another day.






Cole's Rashguard can be found @ Swim Zip
and Swim Trunks can be found @ Lil Boo Apparel

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Strawberry Fields

We spent last Monday visiting a nearby berry patch where we picked our hearts out.  If you've never gone berry picking before, go now.  It's so much fun.  Plus, there's just something about picking it yourself that helps you really appreciate your food.
This transfers to children as well.
Trust me.

We couldn't keep the boys out of the basket on the way home, so a full pound of strawberries never even made it to the sink for rinsing.  

It's been nearly a week and our berry basket is beginning to look scant.  The boys are already asking when we'll be going back to pick some more.  

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