The past 7 days we have been on a little road trip. We took our three oldest grandkids on our first, of I hope many road trips together. Sometimes I forget how fun life can be. It is so easy to get caught up in our daily routine that our childhood wonder just seems to disappear. There is no better way to get a glimpse of it back then through the eyes of a 6, 5 and 3-year-old.
From the moment we left our town, everything became something so very wonderful. We were headed for beautiful Lake Tahoe but we stopped to enjoy some of God’s amazing beauty along the way. We took the kids to Empire Mines in Grass Valley, CA. The grounds were absolutely breathtaking. Soft green grass, tall trees and vibrant flowers of all varieties. Their reaction at times was better than a trip to Disneyland!
I had a brief moment where I stepped back in time to 22 years ago bringing their mommy and auntie here when they were little. It once again was a smack upside my head to the reality of how fast time goes. That 22 years went by like a blink. Watching them run and play and giggle was the best, it not only made me enjoy the moment but it helped me in reliving a little beauty from the past. They enjoyed romping through the gardens, rolling down soft grassy hills, and watching turtles on real live lily pads! The smiles, giggles and wonder were in abundance and I wished I could relive some of those moments over and over again.
We enjoyed several hours and loaded back up, literally not a quick task with 3 car seats, but worth it. We went up the mountain a little further where once again we made a stop we have made several times through the years. It is an observation point just off the highway. They enjoyed looking deep down into the valley where you could see God’s creation for as far as you look in any direction. They were in awe of how big it really was. We were on our way to Donner Pass from there for a little history lesson only to arrive 10 minutes before it closed. We did a quick peek but now have a good reason for another trip. The following day we took a ride on a 100-year-old train where again the excitement was so fun. A giggle or two would come out for no apparent reason at all. They even hand fed an old mule named Bernadine. The final destination was the next day, beautiful Lake Tahoe. The kids enjoyed clear, clean, ice cold water, black sands, finding beautiful rocks and a brief visit with a pig. God brings such fun enjoyable moments along our journeys, we often miss them while we are busy with cell phones, computers and the next way to make a buck.
I think the real key is slowing down and just taking it all in.
We go on fast forward through life and miss the grassy hills, beautiful flowers, and even a pig on the beach at the lake! God reminded me that slowing down and enjoying life, giggling about silly things and long snuggles are some of the most important things. It is singing endless rounds of Down By The Bay, holding our breaths when we drive through tunnels and giggling at how hand dryers blow the loose skin on our hands!
If you are looking for me the next few years you aren’t going to find me working extra hard to make money, you may actually find me a little worldly poor but beyond rich in relationships. I will be spending my extra time making memories with my children and my grandchildren. When the day comes that the good Lord calls me home, I will go with no regrets and a loving legacy to one day join me. Psalms 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward.
Take time to slow down and giggle!
Until next time.
robynstroup 
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