But my full name is Mom Mom Mom Mom.
We've been hiking every weekend, and a few weeks ago we hiked into an abandoned mining town called LuLu City. 200 people occupied it back in the 1800s and it was pretty amazing to see how they lived. Original structures still stood, and Talon enjoyed throwing every rock he could into the river. He loves being outside. On our way back to the car, Talon passed out in typical fashion on my back, and a woman in her late 50's walked past us. She never slowed down, but in passing said, "you're a good mother." I don't think she realized how much I needed to hear those words.
I try my very best, but I don't always feel like I'm doing a good job. I get home from work and don't always want to read him a book. I might not want to teach him to ride his bike. I want to sit on the couch and drink a glass of wine, but I have to remind myself these days of him tugging on my leg wanting to climb up my front side like a rock wall won't last forever.
In fact, there will come a time when he won't want me around at all
because he'll be too cool for mom. He's the raddest kid you'll ever meet and his hair is out of this world. I can't bring myself to cut it. He's got this one dreadlock on the back of his head and people can say what they want about looking like a girl, or needing a big boy haircut but he's perfect and he can only get away with looking like this while he's young. Plus he has the personality to match.
We went to Ketchikan to visit Rory for 10 days. I didn't end up following him up there for a permanent move. We're making it work for Talon to visit every now and then and hopefully some day we'll end up in the same county. For now, Colorado is home for Talon and me.
Rory took a job as a full time-year round Marina Manager for Salmon Falls Lodge on the north end of the island. From the second Talon and Rory saw eachother, Talon wouldn't let Dad out of his sight. Two peas in a pod. Here are some photos of our trip.
Talon is 17 months old and is loving his daycare. I am really fortunate to have him so close. My office is right next door to the Early Education Center so we go to work and school together, and his new method of getting there is on his bat mobile. Always in motion, always observing, dancing, clapping, doing yoga - but not unless mom's mat is out too.
My dad and Gracie came out for my 32nd birthday and it was nice to have them here. I like showing people where I live. It's a special place in the summer. Winter is on its way and I'm pumped to move in to my new place! It's a house with a wood burning stove and great neighbors from work. It will be a good place for new beginnings. Life is good!
"We must be willing to let go of the life we had planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us" - Joseph Campbell
