I’ve been reading a ton of posts lately about setting New Year’s resolutions, but try as I may, I can’t come up with a list of my own.
Instead, I thought I’d share with you my favorite gift from the 2010 holidays. Why, you ask? Because this gift wasn’t just as sweet as pie; it reinforced my belief that the best thing we can give our children is our time. In our family, that together time is often spent outside enjoying nature.
No surprise, I suppose, that my favorite gift came from the big explorer. Along with a little help from dad, he created a book he titled “Best Times With Mom 2010.”
Sure, I melted at the thought of what special things he’d chosen to include. But what really got me was reading all of the details he added about each of the adventures. (Especially the charming misspelled words and 6-year-old handwriting that will soon be a thing of the past.)
He remembered the places we visited in Hawaii back in April.
And included some favorite memories from our summer vacation in Yosemite.
He enjoyed our unexpected discovery of nature on the Las Vegas strip at The Belaggio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. He even said that being in the gardens felt like we were bugs!
Our end-of-summer trip to San Diego (which I still need to blog about, by the way!) earned a special place in his heart. He loved all the animals and other fun things to see and do at the San Diego Zoo and wishes we could go to SeaWorld every day. Petting a dolphin was clearly a highlight.
Seeing his first snow in Yosemite also earned a spot in the book, mainly because he thought it was funny that the little explorer didn’t know what to make of snow (what a nice big brother, huh?!).
Last year was one of healing for me and it warmed my heart to know that all the time we’d spent exploring nature together had made a lasting impression.
My hope for 2011 is simple: To enjoy many more magical moments in nature – with my kids, with family and friends, and on my own. These moments create memories that can last a lifetime.
Remember that magical moments in nature don’t just happen on vacations to far away places. They happen every day right in your own backyard, park and neighborhood.
How would you like to connect with nature in 2011?
@Ian: Enjoying nature with your kids is a wonderful way to reconnect with the planet and with each other. Here's to renewed connections in 2011!
Wow the first one is so touching… I use to hear that comment with my kids last year because I have been very busy coping with the economic crisis we have felt. I have to admit I have no much bonding with them and it is such a pain to see them play on their own.
@Mel: I think your hubby would melt. Why not take it up a notch & try your hand at a video?! 🙂
Wow- that is one of the sweetest gifts I've seen. I think the boys and I might make one for my husband's birthday.
@Abbie: You're doing a wonderful job of creating your own memories!<br /><br />@Bridget: Great ideas! I'm hoping for a tear-free camping trip this summer, too.
What a beautiful post! Your son is quite a writer!<br /><br />My magical moments dreams are taking a hike or two in Elfin forest, visiting some state parks and beaches and at least one camp out with family and friends. Hopefully there will be no sobbing in the tent this time ;).
That is amazing! What a great gift to recieve. <br />Completely agree about giving of your time. There is just nothing better than looking back over photos from the year at lots of adventures with our kids and knowing that we have lots of memories and fun times spent together.
@backyardsafari: Thanks for your kind words. I feel very thankful for my little family. :)<br /><br />@James: Can you beat that kid?<br /><br />@Michael: Imagine what you have to look forward to!
Wow!
Very cool!
This is SO wonderful!!! What a precious gift from the big explorer and your husband. Think of how neat it would be to make one of these every year for all of your favorite moments and have them as a record. People of all ages could definitely benefit from that! <br />Thanks so much for sharing this–it really made me smile. Your kids are so lucky to have you spend time with them and show them the