Lewis And Clark

Dear Addie,

3, 2, 1. iPads down, TV off, let’s get outside! Operation Fresh Air & Peace is underway and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

These days it’s not hard to see or feel the tension that has been going on in our great country. As hard as it is for adults to be bombarded with such division and chaos, it is important to recognize that it affects our children just as much. So with that in mind, this weekend daddy and I decided to escape the chaos shouting at us from all directions and renew our relationship with nature.

Adventure on the coast - on your mark, get set, go!

The day started with of course a socially distant breakfast of champions at our beloved Stack 'em High Pancakes and So Forth, and then we were off - ready to explorer the day at the Outer Banks.

First up, a favorite local fishing spot along the Oregon Inlet. Full of sandy trails, driftwood, boulder-sized rocks, and salty sea air. We had given Clara and Gabe a real camera (sounds weird saying that but it wasn’t a slim multifunctional device that could make calls, take pictures, check email, pay for Starbucks or tell us turn by turn directions on where to go. Nope it was just what’s considered a regular old camera - lens cap and all.) A relic if you will for them to learn and play around with while documenting our adventures today.

Now it would be a lie, if I didn’t say I was a wee bit nervous since we were going to be along the water's edge most of the day, and swimming was not on the agenda. Addie, we all know if you see a beach or any ocean water, you become a beached mermaid fighting your way back to sea WWF style with anybody in your way. Deep breaths, Ok we can do this.

It didn’t take long before Gabe and Clara had asked to walk along the ridged boulders, and just like Peter Pan's shadow, you wanted to follow suit. Ever the analyzer of just about every situation to a fault I noticed you had your flip flops on and not sneakers - not exactly rock climbing gear, but you weren’t about to take no for an answer, so with daddy holding your hand away you went. I decided at this moment that instead of looking at the negative of the shoe choice and allowing my mind to swirl from there, I thought this might be a good strengthening exercise for your weak ankles, a way of forcing stability. Have at it baby girl!

Now getting up on to the rocks was one thing but climbing down, well that’s a whole other story. With Clara and Gabe going down first they turned to slowly hold your hand and guide you down to the sandy trail as daddy followed closely behind. I can honestly tell you as a mother watching your children work together and helping one another could almost make your heart explode with joy.

As we continued on our journey we noticed a sandy beach just below another boulder border full of seashells! We had a vase at home that we thought needed such and I had a bag ready just in case. Could your mermaid's heart handle such an activity being so close to the water with waves calling you crashing against the shore? Or was a battle about to break out? We won’t know until we try another deep breath, here we go.

With another round of heartwarming helping down the rocks (including helping mommy) we found ourselves in a sea shell heaven. You stimmed with excitement at the warm breeze and waves crashing against the beach. A scene ever so inviting for your water-loving heart, but it remained at that, just an invitation. Much to our surprise, there was no battle and today you followed Clara and Gabe in collecting seashells. Ummmmmm no battle? No wrestling? Yes please! We’ll take it!

With such success at the inlet, we decided to set out for our next adventure hike along the trails of the Bodie Lighthouse - historically a meltdown area for you wanting to swim in the marshy waters, but with your calm demeanor present today and camera ready we decided to just push forward and see what happens.

Hand in hand you walked and stopped without distress each time Clara and Gabe saw a landscape scene they wanted to photograph. We eventually made our way to the water's edge where you stood toe to toe with your mermaid's heart watching the crabs, pick up seashells and move them about in the shallow water. Even as a larger crab seemed to be happily waving to you, seemingly inviting you to play, once again as you stimmed with excitement there was no battle, no wrestling.

With daylight and a positive mood still on our side, we decided that we had one more adventure in us for the day as we headed to the sound side to explorer the Jockey's Ridge Trail. Now I’m not gonna lie this trail was by far the hardest. While we were surrounded by trees and shrubbery most of the way, it was hot and the trail was made up of loose sand. Climbing up and down hills my quadriceps were screaming and you were a broken read of “a babing suit, a babing suit.” Ah yes, your way of saying you're done playing Lewis and Clark and you’d rather be swimming now.

As we neared the end of the trail we had officially logged 5.5 miles of hiking for the day. No meltdowns, no needing to be held, very impressive Addie. We then headed home for a pizza dinner because we most definitely earned that calorie consumption reward ;).

This weekend we went on an adventure to renew a sense of peace and we saw so much more. Even as the world has struggled with quarantining and decisiveness, you have not staled in your growth and development and showed us so much self-control in situations that would have previously been challenging for you.

All in all, it was a great and much needed day for all of us.

Great job Ad.

Love,

Mom