i don't believe in busy but i do believe in beauty.

mount vernon was all she promised to be today. i had high hopes and expectations for a place that captured our founding fathers heart and soul and brought him home to roost from washington. 
the adventure options are endless out here on the east coast. 
we could pick a new place to visit forever and never drain that barrel. 

and yet i bought the annual pass to mount vernon. so it seems i will be back.
it was this moment that did me in. 

we keep adventure journals. 
sometimes its a natural wonder  and sometimes its a nightlight cityscape.
today it was the potomoc river from george washington's back porch.

and our own personal 'fife' concert over lunch.

make no mistake: adventuring with the smalls is hard work. 

it takes hustle. 

it takes grin and bear it in moments you would rather yell and leave it. 

but i believe in this. 

i believe in equal parts get out and stay home. 

i don't believe in busy but i do believe in beauty. 

so i will haul and heft the journals. 

i will keep walking long past the food court to the field with the view. 

i will let the magic moments become today's memory and the epic meltdowns become the tall tales for future laugh-fests around someday thanksgiving tables. 

this is my adventure with children manifesto. 

(insert fist bump emoticon)

because i just can't quit it. :)