Memorial Day Weekend
This past Memorial Day weekend, my family and I ventured to the picturesque Mill Valley, CA, a destination known for its enchanting trails and the famous “three wells.” These natural formations are not only beautiful but also a playground for moments of joy and adventure.
While I was inspired by Catherine Price's TED Talk on the art of having real fun, which she defines as a blend of playfulness, connection, and flow, I found myself reflecting on the memories we create when fun is at the forefront.
Our journey took a memorable turn when we decided to explore one of the wells. My daughter, filled with excitement, eagerly descended toward the water. However, her enthusiasm quickly turned to fear when she slipped on a wet rock and fell right into one of the wells. The shock of the cold water and the sudden scare left her shaken.
Later, my husband and I bravely attempted to join in, only to be met with the frigid temperature of the water, prompting us to retreat just as quickly. From that moment, my daughter developed an aversion to the creek, associating it with her slip and the surprise of the cold water. Even when we later enjoyed playing badminton and indulged in delicious waffles and ice cream, she still expressed her displeasure about the creek when we ran into a friend. It was surprising, especially considering her excitement about our adventure just the night before.
Despite the unexpected mishap, I realized that I had experienced the essence of real fun during our trip. We shared playful moments, deepened our family connections, and flowed through the ups and downs of our adventure. The slip into the well became a memorable part of our story, a reminder that fun isn't always perfect, but it is always meaningful.
As we continue to create memories, I'm reminded that real fun is about embracing the moments, both the joyous and the challenging, and finding laughter and connection within them. Here's to more adventures and the beautiful chaos that comes with family fun!
Warmly,
Carolline
