Respite

Last week we had the opportunity to enjoy a bit of respite in the form of a backpacking trip with only AJ for a couple days to Pictured Rocks in Michigan. This trip is an annual tradition for us, with this being the 6th time we've went in the past 7 years (darn you COVID in 2020!). 

It's incredible to watch AJ transform on these short trips as we all truly relax and enjoy life without the daily stress and challenges that come with living with Teddy. A highlight this year was watching AJ create a lounge chair out of sandstone slabs propped in the middle of the river. He spent probably close to 2 hours creating this masterpiece and relaxing in it, knowing there would be no guarantee the waters wouldn't claim it overnight. (It did survive until morning, so he got one more relaxation break there!)

Hiking and camping are my happy places. We have so many family memories that I cherish, but hiking and camping are difficult to near impossible with Teddy through the years. That's why this trip is so incredibly special because we get to do things we love without being fully responsible for care 24/7. 

We're grateful for our village, particularly our one sitter who has spent lots of quality time with Teddy including mornings far earlier than she enjoys, to make this respite possible.

I can't help but share some of my favorite photos from the trip. And we're already looking forward to next year!

All set to hike in to our campsite!

I'm not sure how many more years we can all squeeze in one hammock.

AJ is relaxing in his chair.

We hiked to Spray Falls with AJ, first time since he was 11 months old!

This is my happy place.