The Hazard Chronicles

To start the post I need to share how awesome my kids are sometimes. We have a tradition in our family of giving "just because" presents. These are thoughtful little things that we buy or do for each other, and the kids are all really into it. They use their own money, and it's usually something super simple. A pack of gum or a bag of chips. Maybe a small toy, or a book to read on a long trip. I think that they have learned that the satisfaction that comes from giving is often greater than the time or money spent. And thus, a tradition has developed and is propagated without us even trying. I really love that.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, Addy announced that she wanted to get a big "just because" present for Maren. It was a playhouse thing, and it cost $150. Now, that is a lot of money for Addy. Basically everything she has, and she was wondering if there were any jobs she could do to help pay for it. We both thought this was a really nice gesture, but had doubts about whether or not she would actually go through with it.

That is, until the item went on clearance and started selling out at the store. Apparently it wasn't going to be available any more. When there were just three of them left, Addy desperately spoke with the other kids in secret, let them in on her big plan, and asked if anybody would be willing to pitch in. She was met not only with acceptance of her offer, but with excitement as all the kids reached deep into their accounts to come up with the required money. That evening, when they delivered the present to an unsuspecting Maren, I'm not sure who was more pleased- Maren, the other kids, or the parents. To be honest, I'm still not entirely sure what the thing actually is. But it doesn't matter. This was kind of a special moment, you know, just because.

On Saturday I drove 9 hours to drop Lindsey off with my parents. She is doing "Cousin Camp" with them and some other cousins her age, and I'm sure she will have a lot of fun stories to tell when she gets back.

When I got home, I helped the other kids pack for our trip. Rachel had a virtual work conference over the weekend, giving us a "mandatory retreat" into the mountains to give her some room. 

As a side note, recent changes in Rachel's industry make it more and more likely that work will take place from home on an increasingly frequent basis. Because of this, we are currently in the process of designing a home office which we hope to put on our property. It's a big project and is taking up a lot of mental energy right now.

Anyway, back to our "mandatory retreat." We had a lot of options, but one place I have been wanting to bring them was Steven's Lake. I usually go up in the winter to do a climb of one of the taller peaks in the area, but it is a beautiful destination in summer as well and it certainly did not disappoint. The five mile hike went quickly, and the next couple of days were filled with relaxation and leisure.

Here we are about to embark. Note that Maren is wearing flip flops. That girl!

It was a beautiful hike

These logs weren't perfectly sturdy and Maren got pretty nervous. Addy knew just how to help. Also, she is wearing tennis shoes now. Good choice.

The girls set up a tent to sleep in. Jack and I used bivy sacks. I think we got the better deal.

The water was cold at first, but quickly became the source of hours and hours of fun

I don't even know why I put this picture in. Maybe to prove that we ate food while we were out?

Addy spent a lot of time on this particular log reading her book.

Ok- this is starting to feel like an Addy post. She is clearly featured more than the other kids. Well, it was her turn. This is the "trail" that her and I used to get to and explore the upper lake. 

Looking back, I am surprised we got out of this place without any injuries. This is mostly because of this one activity that the kids seemed to love. How many sinking and rolling logs can you run across without faceplanting? For Jackson, it turns out quite a lot. Maybe because he only weighs as much as a large house-cat.

Alright, that's about it. Have a good week!

Found on Lindsey's bedside table. Oh, to be a kid!