Westward Ho!

Life with My Lovely is so easy.  Happy is in her DNA.  She doesn't let the setbacks or mistakes ruin her day.

But then, out of nowhere things change.....

From happy to Joy.

There are so many things that can trigger the change.  The sound of gravel crunching under her feet is sure to do it.  And today, we were hiking in the Badlands...  That works. 

Again, beautiful scenery.   The view at the end of the trail on our first hike that took first prize (so far) for this trip.  It was a small but slightly challenging hike.  She enjoys the challenge. But at the end of the trail, up high on a wall was the payoff.   !! Love It !!

We were just getting started.  The rest of the hikes were short and easy.

But then came the best thing.  The absolute joy.  The place where My Lovely's heart is everyday.

Look at the first picture.  It is My Lovely looking at her phone.  This is pure joy.  We were standing in the same place she was 11 years ago.  She is going to show me a video of Sam running up that rock directly behind her. (Videos attached)  Her heart is alive. Joy abounds!

The next hike was the Cliff Shelf Trail.  Again, the same trip 11 years ago, Jacob (as was common) hops up on a rock and does his "Explorer Pose" for mom to take a picture.  My Lovely finds the exact same rock and recreates the photo - Amy in Jacob's place.

Her boys are her absolute joy.  She has them in her heart everyday, everywhere she goes. 

She shared the video with Sam and the photos with Jacob, and of course, she shared all the joy with me.

I know that all moms love their children.  The hiking today was great, but the best thing today and the best thing about the hikes was My Lovely being mom.

We have a few other photos....

From Amy:
On the Door trail, there is a particular feature that the boys loved to climb. They climbed it over and over trying to better their time. Today I stood in front of that exact same feature, remembering The Adventurous little boys that I love so dearly. Then later on the Cliff Shelf Trail , there was a rock that Jacob did his great Explorer pose on. He repeated this pose at many national parks throughout the west. Today I recreated that pose for him. It took a little doing to find the exact Rock but it was fun and meant a lot to me. I sent the boys pictures and Jacob was amazed that I found all the exact same places. He said "I actually love these so much." I'm sure one day he'll get back out here and strike the pose again as an adult and send me a Pic!

Wonderful new memories were made today as well. Pat has become quite the hiker and is really enjoying himself. Plus I don't have to worry so much about him falling off a cliff! It's truly special to share these times with my best friend. He brings me joy.

Tomorrow we head further west to Custer State Park.Читать далее