I won’t sugar coat it.. my fear of large animals has proven invariable and has limited our exploring in the past. That time has ended- On a whim Cody purchased our dream airstream from rural Colorado.  She presently has no name but she is ours. (insert hallelujah emoji)

We set off on our first adventure feeling the wind of freedom flowing over the truck hood, leaving sparkles of happiness swooshing into the air. It had been years since we drifted through Star Valley, Wyoming and felt an exciting comfort in the fact that because of the airstream, a place like this could become a home away from home. With Cody manning the ship he gave me the gift of soaking in each mercantile shop, team of horses, field of wildflowers and the green mountains hugging the beautiful communities. As we passed every lake or snaking river Jack would ask, “Can we go fishing here?!”. Before long we could spy Palisades Reservoir through the evergreens and say, “Oh yeah baby we can go fishing there!”

The road we were following kept getting sweeter and sweeter until we hit the honey hole of a campground. We parked our porta-home in a tiny canyon between mountains of wildflowers and confiners with the river running through the middle. Within 5 minuets Cody was in his catchers squat teaching Fiona how to cast and reel in a toy fish while Jack practiced a few yards away. It was a magical moment observing them on that perfectly placed field, hearing the sound of the river, witnessing the start of our new chapter. As more families joined, us parents became invisible to our kids who were running through Neverland creating friendships and growing right before our eyes.

At night we huddled around the campfire listening to Nate serenade the stars. We could see speedy little legs buzzing about with the light from their lanterns. I imagined the camper creating a new chapter for our family but I never foresaw the magic of Jack and Fi in a band of mountain children. It was a gift to be in such an element with wonderful people.

And then there was Iris. Her pure and nurturing nature left me in awe. When Fiona would wake up, the beauty of being out in the mountains was opening the airstream door and watching her eagerly jump back into adventuring.  Iris would always welcome her back to wonderland with a warm hug and on one occasion ran off to find a stuffed animal to give to Fi when she was crying. Her dad relayed the dialog, “Iris ran into the tent frantically and said ‘Where’s my hatchimal?! My friend is sad!’”. I’ve never seen Fiona have so much comfort with a friend it makes me wonder if their souls are old friends. If we have another girl someday she might be named Iris. It’s amazing how a little girl can inspire me to teach my kids to love others more fiercely.

Jack fished, Fiona met Iris, Cody and my lungs were filled with gratitude and fresh air. All was right in our little world. Dang that was an unbelievable dawn of what we’ve called for years the airstream dream.

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