When we decided to start a family we had no idea what to expect but we knew we wanted (and needed) our lives to grow and change- we needed life to be turned upside down. Since Lucy's arrival, the experience of becoming parents has been one of the most profound and powerful adventures for both of us. And when we set out to create a new life in Oregon, to simplify and to "leave it all behind" (so that we could provide a better life for our little family), we had no idea the twists and turns that this journey would present along the way. At times we have struggled with the transition, we have experienced growing pains in our marriage and we have been overwhelmed by being first time parents. We got what we wished for- our lives have been turned upside down in the most uncomfortable yet FABULOUS of ways. Now as we settle into this new chapter, we have started to redefine ourselves as individuals, as partners and as parents.
Friday is Lucy's birthday and we have been very reflective around here about all that has happened in our first year with her and we decided we wanted to kick off her birth week by doing something special to celebrate our journey becoming a family. We also wanted kick off a brand new chapter together by doing something unique that would represent the kind of theme we want to set for our family as we move forward...ADVENTURE!
So yesterday we packed up the car and drove 2 hours for a hike that is known for being unique, challenging and incredibly breathtaking. The Oneonta Gorge hike is not accessible by trail, the creek IS the trail! We scrambled and hiked over a log jam, walked through the icy cold creek, below towering mossy walls of rock and made our way to the waterfall. I've been lots of places but this may be one of the most magical and inspiring places I have ever been.
It was here that we celebrated Lucy and our first year as parents and made a promise to each other that we will move forward as a family with joy and wonder filled days, we will look for magic, beauty and inspiration in the world around us and we will continue to always seek out adventure.
Since we were packing Lucy we couldn't make it through the last few yards together (through a deep pool) so we had to take turns and go separately to the falls. Andy took the hardcore way....
I took the not so hardcore way!
42 comments:
What a beautiful story Alisa. Thankyou for being so open and real with your readers. And thankyou for sharing your adventures and encouraging us to do the same. xx Jo
Just beautiful Alisa =)
I had an adventure myself and it's the best when you get lost with friends and yet in this the midst of adventure are able to come back relaxed, refreshed, rejuvinated, thanks for the inspiration.
Redfining ourselves is hard . I think it has taken me a lot longer to adjust to parenthood, but growth is good!
Beautiful place - expecting to see someone from Lord of the Rings in that landscape:)
WOW, what a magical and breathtaking adventure this was. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this first year as parents, it's the toughest one. I think you should both be very proud of how far you've come in this year. Lucy is lucky to have such amazing parents!!
Happy Birthday to all 3 of you!!
Wow, it really does look like an almost mystical spot. How wonderful that you could discover it and celebrate t,here as a family.
I loved reading this post and it has inspired me. I live in the UK and we've recently bought a caravan but it's not left the drive as yet. At the end of every month we do not have enough money left over to pay for fuel, etc to take us away. After reading your blog I'm now inspired and determined to travel and explore, even if it's only a few miles away. Our caravan is sat waiting to start making adventures and memories for us, we've just got to seize the day. Thank you X
The photos take my breath away...beautiful place and beautiful story!!!
Happy Birthday to Lucy, to you and to your husband!!!
Beautiful notes on your adventure, on being parents, on marriage and as an artist that you are. I pray that you'll be given much strength and happiness for the adventures ahead!. Happy Birthday Lu!. Great photography, I shiver thinking how cold the water would be, LOL. Great family you have :). Keep inspiring us!
You are crazy!I love that!AriadnefromGreece!
oh sweetie- this is just the neatest thing!!! to face each new chapter together and make it a point to talk about the future, plans, goals. i love this!!! my husband and i just got married in sept, both being married before. and this time around we are determined to take the journey together and become stronger! and i want to jump in the car and go to this trail- it looks so magical!!! and happy birthday little lucy!!!!!
Like someone already said: wow.
OMG...I LOVED this post. I don't even know what to say that hasn't already been said. I so loved the pictures, especially that last family picture. Oh Lucy is just so stinkin' cute!! Can't wait to see the "12 months of Lucy" post! Thank you for sharing your journey.
Oh and I live in Oregon too...nothing more beautiful.
Oh Alisa, this is lovely. What a powerful affirmation. Xoxo
You may have taken the drier route to the falls, but it seems you had to work pretty hard. You all seem so small in these photos; a perspective-shifting day!
You and Andy are both so aware - aware of your importance to one another and to Lucy. Taking a day, or a moment, to think about the past year and look forward, to appreciate the blessing Lucy is, makes you very special parents and partners.
Thank you so much for sharing you adventure, for sharing you journey to become a family and for sharing those breath taking pictures.
what a beautiful inspiring post -- happy birthday to lucy matisse --
Thank you for sharing a bit of your heart today. You and your family are an inspiration. As I look towards my wedding in a few months and think about starting a family down the road I sometimes worry that parenthood will change the people that we are in a way that we won't like. That we will be so much more limited in the things we can do because of a precious baby and his/her needs. But your stories give me faith that babies only add to the adventure! Thank you.
Beautiful post. Beautiful photos. Beautiful family!
wow..Alisa...great post. My oldest son and his girlfriend also an Alisa, moved to Oregon last week. They are excited and happy to be in her home state...I will have to give him the name of this place...he will love to experience it. Such a wonderful adventure. Thanks for sharing
now i really want to visit your state, its gorgeous !!!
happy birthday to your lovely daughter and just want to say again and again your family is adorable and so inspiring to all of us
thank you for been you !!!!
Just stunning ! Your story and the pictures, as usual you have not failed even a bit in inspiring me !! Thank u so much.love u ! And advance birthday wishes for Lucy !! Best wishes.
That is a beautiful spot! Happy Birthday Lucy! And congratulations Mom and Dad in making it through the first year. Starting a family is everything you described and more. Not easy, but so rewarding, awesome and amazing. Enjoy your apecial week celebrating together!
Wonderful inspiring post. Oneonta is one of my favorite places in the Northwest. Truly a magical place.
Spectaculicious... there is no other word for this post.
An absolutely beautiful, wondrous and adventurous post, Alisa. Thanks so much for sharing this special moment with us. Quite inspiring!
Happy 1st Birthday, Lucy!!!
One of my favorite places. I didn't realize you were in Oregon.
Thanks for sharing.
What an amazing place! Looks like it was a spiritual journey and celebration... Happy Birthday Lucy!
Love the expression on Lucy's face in the last picture...mildly amused.
Hugs
What a lovely place to review the past, celebrate the journey, adjust, and commit to adventure. J Campbell (such a fine mind and wonderful spirit he had) would be proud to see his words married to that beautiful image. Perfect.
Each day is a gift. Thank you for sharing yours with us. And a Happy, Happy Birthday to dear Lucy!
thanks for sharing these pictures, such a beautiful place.
Thank you for sharing your story and those beautiful pictures. It'll change the course of my day today, I can feel it.
Wow. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Happy Birthday, Lucy. And Congratulations, you two.
Oh my goodness! Incredibly breathtaking! Thank you for the inspiration and magic you and your family display. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
Happy Birthday Lucy. You are so blessed.
An AWESOME adventure indeed Alisa! THANK YOU for sharing & CONGRATS on the first year and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lucy!
One word. WOW.
beautiful!
And happy birthday to Lucy!
Wow, what a beautiful adventure to share as a family on your daughter's birthday...the stuff that memories are made of. Your photos are breathtaking.
nice blog !!!
Beautiful post, pictures and blog! We are new parents are the change has affected us profoundly too. Love the idea to add adventure into life!
Beautiful and so sincere!
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