Constant Beginnings

Pinterest is such an incredible board of possibilities. Someone shared a pin of this magical place they wished to visit and a plan unfolded. Monte Saint Michele, France. A magical place where monks once escaped to reach spiritual freedom and to become one with God. A place where the tide comes in, making an island of the monestary grounds. It is a magical place we visited. Although heavy fog impacted our visit and the view, we soaked up quality family time hiking the 300+ stairs each day, walking on the beach, skipping rocks in the water and imagining what life would be like to live there. We drove to Omaha Beach and visited the America Cemetary of Normandy. We listened to the stories of the soldiers who so bravely fought for the freedom of others. Selfless, strong heroes. We walked the paths they once walked, saw the cliffs they climbed and the bunkers once filled with German soldiers. It was a powerful vi

In early September, we took to the roads to Switzerland where we spent a long weekend sleeping in the straw. Literally. We went to a working farm where we learned how they make cheese--actually bringing the cows up from the pasture 2 times per day, created art projects with our kids, hiked, and enjoyed the beauty that is Switzerland. It was an amazing weekend as we looked watched climbers hike the peak of the nearby mountain and enjoyed quality time with our family and good friends.  Our accommodations. While we were up at a cheese hut learning how the family makes their cheese, Mya had to use the bathroom. She was rather disappointed to find the bucket. However, this is their toilet. The grandparents live in the hut (complete with a bedroom, kitchenette and toilet) during the summer months while the cows graze on the Alps.