The Traditions Must Go On!
During the first part of August, I visited Yellowstone National Park with my hubby, girls and parents. We originally planned to take my two sons, too, but they couldn't go because of football practice. (Why does the season have to start during the summer months?) While I was sad about this, it did open up two seats in our truck. Much to my delight, my parents agreed to come to Yellowstone with us!
Sharing a trip like this with my aging parents was a dream come true. My 79-year-old father suffers from severe arthritis and heart problems and doesn't get around very well. I was shocked when he said he'd tag along. For years he's teased me about sleeping the entire ride through Yellowstone when I was 16.
I didn't sleep through our visit this time! Instead, we spent our days hiking to waterfalls, gazing at geysers, exploring hot pots and searching for wildlife. My daughter Brecken kept a log of all the animals we saw - 753 in all (including a herd of buffalo, a fox and a coyote). As for bears, we had to go to a habitat to see one.
We spent the evenings cooking marshmallows by the campfire, playing Horse-Opoly, taking leisurely bike rides and skipping rocks on Lake Hebgen.
While I was at Yellowstone, I couldn't help but reflect on how lucky I am. I was raised in a home where my parents emphasized honesty, integrity and doing the things that would truly bring happiness. While we barely scrimped by financially at times, we were rich in blessings. The best thing about growing up in the Robert and Clarine Downs household was that I had parents who dearly loved each other.
My parents have been married now for 55 years. On this trip, that undying commitment was stronger than ever. Every morning, I'd listen as my parents held a devotional and family prayer. As we walked to various sites, I'd often catch them holding hands and even smooching.
I came away from the trip excited to carry on this legacy of love, laughter and good, wholesome living. Thanks to the great examples of my parents, my family and I also place a lot of importance on prayer, daily devotionals and family time. (We reserve our Monday nights to spend together.)
I've scrapbooked these great traditions along the way so my children and their children will remember what's important in the Steve and Lisa Bearnson household. When we've been married for 55 years, hopefully our children and their descendants will remember what was important in our family.
What are your fondest memories of your childhood and the way you were raised? Record them today! For now, enjoy summer's remaining days and remember:
Find joy in the journey!
Sharing a trip like this with my aging parents was a dream come true. My 79-year-old father suffers from severe arthritis and heart problems and doesn't get around very well. I was shocked when he said he'd tag along. For years he's teased me about sleeping the entire ride through Yellowstone when I was 16.
I didn't sleep through our visit this time! Instead, we spent our days hiking to waterfalls, gazing at geysers, exploring hot pots and searching for wildlife. My daughter Brecken kept a log of all the animals we saw - 753 in all (including a herd of buffalo, a fox and a coyote). As for bears, we had to go to a habitat to see one.
We spent the evenings cooking marshmallows by the campfire, playing Horse-Opoly, taking leisurely bike rides and skipping rocks on Lake Hebgen.
While I was at Yellowstone, I couldn't help but reflect on how lucky I am. I was raised in a home where my parents emphasized honesty, integrity and doing the things that would truly bring happiness. While we barely scrimped by financially at times, we were rich in blessings. The best thing about growing up in the Robert and Clarine Downs household was that I had parents who dearly loved each other.
My parents have been married now for 55 years. On this trip, that undying commitment was stronger than ever. Every morning, I'd listen as my parents held a devotional and family prayer. As we walked to various sites, I'd often catch them holding hands and even smooching.
I came away from the trip excited to carry on this legacy of love, laughter and good, wholesome living. Thanks to the great examples of my parents, my family and I also place a lot of importance on prayer, daily devotionals and family time. (We reserve our Monday nights to spend together.)
I've scrapbooked these great traditions along the way so my children and their children will remember what's important in the Steve and Lisa Bearnson household. When we've been married for 55 years, hopefully our children and their descendants will remember what was important in our family.
What are your fondest memories of your childhood and the way you were raised? Record them today! For now, enjoy summer's remaining days and remember:
Find joy in the journey!