In the Forest

Yesterday, I took the little ones on a short hike. It was a gorgeous day to reintroduce them to hiking. We've moved into a new phase of hiking, with no infant carriers in use and the start of a nature journal. During our half-mile hike, I reminded the kids to use all of their senses to better experience the beauty around them.

We heard:

• a small woodpecker tapping on a tree
• a pileated woodpecker calling and tapping loudly
• the wind blowing through the leaves

We saw:

• two chipmunks
• tent caterpillars
• a delicate pink lady slipper
  

Solstice Blessings

Last night, I tried to stay awake all night long, waiting for the winter solstice to arrive. I "woke" up around 4:30 AM and bundled up to head out to Red Rock Canyon to watch the sunrise. When I arrived shortly before 6 AM, it was still completely dark. The snowy landscape was quite eerie, but I relished the rare moment of quiet. The sun finally broke the horizon around 6:51 AM. It amazes me how long "dawn" lasts, in contrast to the speed at which the sun climbs above the horizon once it first peeks over.

After the sun rose, I continued to enjoy the solitude of a peaceful Sunday morning in Red Rock. I marveled at the snow-covered desert and decided to go for a short hike. I chose the Willow Springs Loop Trail and it did wonders to soothe my soul. I was treated to the rare site of a pair of bighorn sheep high on White Rock Hills and the fluttering wings of a mountain blue bird. Part of the trail had not been disturbed since the recent snowfall, so I enjoyed forging my way through the knee high drifts.

I left the trail with a calmed spirit and clarity of thought. I felt renewed and exhilarated, despite my lack of sleep. My goal is to carry that through the coming weeks until we are settled in our new home. I am truly blessed to have partner that regularly gives me the gift of time and is an amazing father to our children. Other than his love, no other gift could make me feel so blessed.