It’s hard for me to put into words how refreshing it is to be out in nature and set the world aside. I find it’s like a cleansing. I make the choice to release my day-to-day stress, and really get in touch with who I am, and the Lord who made me.

I find it awakens my soul every time.

Last year my Dad and I began a tradition. The two of us went down to Stearns, Kentucky where my 94 years-young grandmother lives. My Dad ran through those woods and hills to his heart’s content as a young boy. Since as long as I can remember, I run around in the same woods, each time trying to envision what things looked like, felt like….trying to view it through his eyes. Appreciation of nature is like breathing to most my family. Perhaps it’s the bit of Native American blood running in our veins….I like to think so.

We call our Spring trip, “Trout and Trillium.” Our goal is to hunt for rare wildflowers and perhaps fish in some of the Midwest’s most beautiful streams. This year my Dad’s brother, and my baby sister came with us. We found the water too murky and high due to massive rains, and after a day or so of wildflower hunting we realized (to our dismay) that we were about a week off. They had returned to the ground to rest for another year.

I didn’t mind. There was still so much beauty to see. As is the case in any given situation, you just have to make the choice to open your eyes.

I told Ashley this is where I would like to renew my vows with Brett.  It’s the PERFECT wedding isle, don’t you think? ;)

Below is a stream-side graveyard covered in wildflowers, where some of my ancestors are buried.

The entrance to Yahoo Falls was shut down due to damage from falling trees during the storms. We politely ignored the warning.

Since fishing was out due to high water we decided to shoot. Guns, and cameras. I tell ya, this was all out tomboy weekend for me and Ash. But being raised country girls, we were right at home.

Ignore our greasy, no make-up, “we really need a shower” faces….instead check out our beautiful little Grandma. She is red hot spunky and precious as could be. I’m so thankful for her.

Daddy, Uncle Bear and Ash…..it was a great time, even with the minor disappointments. Can’t wait to do it again next year, and the year after.

P.S. I must give credit to my sister for some shots on here. I brought her a camera and gave her no option but to shoot. And she’s good. ;)

This spring we were cutting down the old dead grasses from last year and the boys were working on it with me.  I suggested they make a fort in the back woods with the grasses.  They asked me to help them out and I gladly accepted.  Our boys help us remember what it is like to be young, carefree spirits.  Deep inside of us all there is the little child we once were that has somehow been overshadowed by the man/woman we have become.  Having these children to cherish, hold, and watch grow up helps us remember what it was like to be young and to stay young in spirit ourselves.  It helps us to realize how fragile and dependent upon one another we all are.  We need to get inside their little world from time to time and learn from them.  We can learn to have a more humble and contrite spirit and lean on each other for support as they do.  Never lose touch with your inner child.  ~brett {baba}