What a Trip

It is interesting to see how this blog has evolved over the last four years. What began as a place for me to muse about my impending parenthood quickly became a forum for posting a log of our daily and weekly activities as a family. Of course, this was mostly when our new baby was immobile; her discovery of perambulation slowed the blogging process considerably, so it became more of a quarterly overview. This larger perspective led to a more reflective, philosophical approach to blogging as opposed to a rundown of the places we'd gone and the things we'd seen. And, funnily enough, having a wider perspective as a writer has turned this blog back into a place where I can basically ponder or pontificate on any subject that strikes me-- it has become my musing place once again.

I prefer the freedom of being able to just write what I feel like writing, but I am starting to recognize that there was value in keeping a record of our activities, too. I miss having a sort of journal to look back on as time passes, especially as life just keeps bringing new changes. What seems mundane as I'm writing it becomes significant when, months later, I realize that mundane thing no longer happens. It is humbling to realize-- for the 4,000th time-- that I'm just not always very good at realizing what is important as it is happening. It usually takes a little time and distance for my most valuable memories to reveal themselves.

Our 2012 beach trip took place over seven months ago, but for some reason I never found the time to post the photographs of that beautiful adventure. I'm looking at those pictures now, agog at how much my babies have changed, how much their little companions Maya and Eoin have changed, and how desperately I miss having hours and days to spend in the company of my dear friends. I want to slow down or pause or rewind my life, just temporarily, so that I can catch my breath and tell myself: enjoy this day. Soak it up, wring all the love and joy out of it that you can and just forget about the rest. I knew this trip was important as I was experiencing it-- Lavender was just beginning to walk, and Geneva was exploding into a new world of imagination-- but I didn't quite grasp how important it was. 

Here are some very old pictures, for your enjoyment... and, because this is my musing place, for mine.