Ausable Chasm and the power of more YES!

Yesterday we adventured and had one of those strolling on sunbeam days I speak of.....my favorite kind! We got there a little after 10 and decided to do the hiking and rafting package....The hike took us nearly 4 miles alongside the rafting for a bit....and the weather was perfect....A little overcast and around 70 and the sun made an appearance toward the end of our journey.....it was fun to see the difference in vegetation here some, and check out the chasm.....the rocks reminded me of Watkins Glen....a similar feel but much bigger. We also traveled through the dry chasm which was super rocky terrain, and not that easy to navigate....that area challenged us to do some more difficult hiking.....We went through a couple of fun rapids as we rafted, and that was fun for the grown ups and kids alike.....and all of it really warmed my heart....I spent a lot of time with my grandparents as a kid, and adored them, and I am grateful that my kids get to spend time with my folks....we then went and grabbed a late lunch at a local place, and then came back to our rental.....and it is really so beautiful here....pictures not doing it justice...a little slice of heaven....the owners live in the middle house, and this house is huge.....us having rented the bottom unit overlooking Lake Champlain........they have kids around Mads age that we got to chat with and they are so sweet......when we got back Mads wanted me to go in the hot tub with her and take her on the paddle boat....so we did that, the hot tub overlooks the lake and is also gorgeous, and we really enjoyed paddling around.....she was feeling like it was the best things she had ever done lol:) Not sure about that.....but it sure was fun.....and it was one of those mom moments that I think is important to have.....as a reminder......the paddle boat was cumbersome, and heavy some and stuck up further on the rocks where it gets tethered.....and my dad and I had to lift it, and get it to the water....which wasn't super simple....navigating lots of rocks etc but when we were cruising around the effort was so worth it.....a reminder to always dig deep.....:) One of those things we could have easily said no to and yes was the right answer......More yes than no which has been my theme the last few years.....choosing the opportunity to take a chance whenever the opportunity arises in the spirit of adventuring more! And sometimes as a mom and maybe more so when all the tasks run downhill on you, and you are alone in it all, it can feel challenging to do it all....but I try and remain mindful of remaining willing in the face of all of that to show up for my crew as often as I am able:) And recently I had felt I had failed some, it was the 4th of July and Mads wanted to see fireworks that night from my parent's house. However I knew we were seeing them Saturday night at a family bbq where they had them across the street.....so I opted to do that one and go home earlier on the 4th, because the weekend was packed full of things....Gabe's baseball the next morning, the bbq, our Kids Bop concert and packing for the trip amid getting everything together.....and she was super upset. And it made me feel awful.......However it did work the next night and we saw amazing fireworks and redemption was found lol;-) But sometimes those are the things that challenge me. Having it all fall on me and wishing sometimes for some reprieve or help. Sort of alleviating that overwhelmed spot that happens from time to time....I am grateful to not feel that too often but yea....that truth finds me sometimes.....so more yes less no is my goal always and yesterday I was reminded again of the power of it:) So today calls for another adventure before we head home tomorrow. A couple days to recharge and connect in the beauty of nature and I am so grateful indeed:)