Last week this little family stepped away. For three years now we have ventured out to the State of Alaska The Lower Angle Creek Public Use Cabin. It is a lot of work to pack for the trip, organize all we need, drive to the trailhead, get out there and settle in. Each year we wonder, why are we only here for a day or so. As a result, each year we spend a little more time together out there. This year was the longest, 5 days and 4 nights.
Was it all great, nope. The kids were restless, the baby screamed at night and as a result no one slept, the weather got super cold, the snow machines had trouble and so on. But the tired and slightly disjoined family weaved back together over those 5 days. Days without rooms to get away from each other, without phones or computers, days with no school work and just basic chores. Days together.
One of the best parts of going back to the same place each year is that there is a point of reference to compare all other variables. How the weather is different each year (this year was the year of SNOW, so much SNOW), the difference in our family (this year you are this age, last year you were that age), the difference in abilities (the kids being confident this year to go out solo and build forts for hours together. Not needing as much parental guidance) and the difference in me (last year I was pregnant, this year my spirit is worn and tired).
Those days at the cabin are precious. Connecting, eating simple meals, reading all of Little House in the Big Woods in 4 nights, hours upon hours outside and a refreshment to our minds and bodies. Winters are long but the days are getting longer.
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