A Family Date Day

It has been an unbelievable snow year in the Sierras. 

Someone asked us the other day...."How do you get to the mountains so often....your lives are so busy...how do you fit it in?"

Here are 4 things which make this question easy to answer:

1. We see going to the mountains like going to the bathroom....it's a non-negotiable. It's not a matter of why....it's entirely a matter of when. It's an inevitable part of our lives. The mountains are a place we rest and bond as a family!
2. We remove barriers to getting to the mountains.  We budget for the extra-gas, we put it in our calendars, we incentivize ourselves with new places to see and experience, etc.
3. We make the drive there part of the experience.....not a necessary evil.
4. We keep the car packed. Yes...it's true, it makes bringing 4 kids to the mountains possible. Our rig is filled with kid carriers, extra jackets, gloves, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. #StayPackedSoYouNeverHaveToPack

Kings Canyon National Park is COVERED with snow. Just look at the gate ^^ and the visitor center which is buried in the picture below. 

When we take the kids to the mountains....it doesn't have to be complicated. This hike wasn't more than 2 miles off the trailhead. Granted....we were post polling the entire way so it felt difficult....but it wasn't far! 

Sometimes adventure is just one snow angel away 

Sometimes cultivating wonder is just a matter of looking up instead of down at your feel when you hike. 

In the evening after returning to Fresno, Heidi and I went on a date to see the movie Free Solo which just won an award. As rock climbers ourselves....it was inspiring! 

The best way to end a day in the mountains is to end it in the arms of the one you love.

These are good days.

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