We are leaving a lovely little town in northern Michigan and I came away with something special.

We enjoyed some time away for our anniversary and I love time like this because it helps me to slow down. To see. To experience something in an unhurried way.

• flat rocks to skip • heart shaped rocks • giant dahlia flowers • waves hitting the shore • ladybug on a rock • seagull dunking himself for a fish • all the precious dogs with their owners • riding bikes through the forest • drift wood • sunsets by the water • the sound of a harbor bell • the little lighthouse shining it’s light • clip clop of horses hooves •

I was reminded of our three kids and how they would experience the places and things we saw. They would be excited about those little things too. I’d stop and show them. I’d talk about how I feel as I experience these little moments in life.

During the busy of our days I forget that I like this. I forget, I like skipping rocks, I want to pick all the flowers, and I want to search for rocks that feel special, like they were left for me.

So I took the rocks, the pictures and talked to the dahlias each day. I asked to pet the German shorthaired pointer puppy who was laying between its owners feet.

And all of these things reminded me of how much our kids have taught me. They have taught me to slow down, to see the flower, to see the shapes in the clouds, to watch them create something new. And they’ve helped me connect with the little kid in myself.

Sometimes getting older we try to leave all our childish ways but we forget to keep the awe. We forget the simple. We press on busy as ever and we miss it. I think adulting is reminding ourselves of the things that make us feel alive. The things that connect us to one another. It really is just the little things, one after the other.

What brings awe and wonder to you today?