First Vacation as a Family

Shenandoah National Park has been and will always be a special place for me. 

I am two years old; inquisitive, rambunctious, and observant. My mom, dad, and I are on a backpacking trip on the muddy trails through the mountains and valleys of Shenandoah National Park. On my dad's back with my worried mom to my side, we spot a black bear and her cub less than fifteen feet away. Fortunately, they go on their way.

This is my earliest memory of my life.

Fast forward 15 years.
We are 17 years old. I am on my first vacation with my (now) husband to Shenandoah. Hiking is a valued and core part of my family, but not in my husband's family. Sean's eyes glisten in awe at the beauty that lays in front of him. We sit for hours looking at the stunning and humbling views on Black Rock. This is going to be a special place for us.

Fast forward 10 more years. 
I am 27 years old and I am seven months pregnant with our first baby. With my giant belly and swollen feet, I am struggling to hike up to Black Rock, but determined to get to the top. This is our last vacation just the two of us, but we can't stop talking about how excited we are to show our baby girl this special place in just a few short months.

Today...
Kairi is five months old and ready for her first trip to a National Park. From the moment we set out on the trail to Black Rock, I see the awe in her face just as I had in Sean 11 years ago. Kairi spends the entire hike grabbing leaves, giggling uncontrollably at hikers, and staring inquisitively at the nature surrounding her. The look on her face as the sunlight glistens through the leaves of the giant green trees is something I will treasure forever.