One of my favorite things about life is when I’m reminded by our children how much they just “get it”. We had plans to run some errands, play at the playground, maybe go out to lunch in an around Alexandria. Honestly not a typical summer day for us this year since we have had such a busy summer with very few “hang around home” days. That being said we were feeling like we needed it after a super fun trip to Smith Mountain Lake with our friends and just decided to roam around for the day. The kids, tired and likely sick of being around each other 24/7 for the summer, didn’t really offer much in the area of inspiration for what we should fill our time with. Well after a few quick errands, we decided to stop by Windmill Park. The nice thing about that park is that it overlooks the Potomac River and has a rope climbing “wall” the boys love. So we gave it a try. Well before we knew it the kids were seemingly wandering off in another direction not towards the playground …and if I’m being honest I’m starting to get grumpy because “why can’t these kids just go somewhere in a straightline!”. In any case, within a few seconds we ended up in the entrance of an abandoned stone tunnel that is now a walking path. The kids immediately lit up, starting yelling for echoes and otherwise just enjoyed the wonder that was this unusual find. The proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, the cool ledge they played on for a while, the puddles throughout and the hint of “scariness” that came from it just being a little dingy and dark. Totally made my day and without the kids just following their inner curiosity, we wouldn’t have had that experience. thanks guys 🙂
