We found ourselves with two unexpected days off and decided to hit the open road. We loaded up the kids and headed to Camano Island State Park for some much needed family time. It was refreshing, beautiful, and comical watching our kids experience camping.
For me, being in the outdoors is a priority but to two city kids who spend most of their time indoors, camping was a bit unnatural. Our first night, the kids asked where the trains were. The second day, Kannon asked if we could go home. But by our last night the kids were making racetracks in the dirt and fingerpainting on trees. By the day's end, they weren't ready to come home.
We had a wonderful time hiking and exploring the tide pools. Kannon was quick to find a crab claw and a few clams. Our water obsessed dog had a great time chasing logs in the frigid water. We laughed and rolled with the flow. We found eagles, rabbits, and tree frogs. We watched as our kids curiosity exploded with new words and ideas.
We dreamed about what life in the country would be like. Both Dale and I are from the small towns with rural roads and big sky. Someday, our kids will have that life too, but for now, camping is the closest we will get. For now, we will just relax and savor the smell of pine, dirt on our faces, and the giggles of children.
