Wild Minds Wander

Hey everyone! Kyli back on Wild Minds Wander. As we inch closer to our June 16th departure, my mind has been swirling not just with logistics (still a work in progress, let’s be honest!), but with the deeper intentions behind this epic journey. You know the big “why” – to explore, to connect with nature, and to create lasting memories with my three incredible boys. But today, I wanted to share a more personal reflection on what I hope this trip will be, and what I’ve learned from past attempts at the “perfect” family adventure.

As I mentioned in my last post, the desire to see the grandeur of the national parks has been with me for years. When Steven had the opportunity to work in Jackson Hole back in 2021, I jumped at the chance to bring the boys and explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone on my own while he worked. That week held moments of pure magic – the breathtaking vista of Jenny Lake, the joy of watching my little ones play by its shores, a moment so profound it’s now etched on my skin.

However, that same trip also came with its challenges and a valuable, albeit tear-filled, lesson. I had this mental checklist of all the iconic viewpoints and must-see spots, and I was determined to hit them all. The result? A lot of stressed-out driving, restless kids being shuttled from one scenic overlook to the next, and a feeling that we were missing the very essence of the places we were visiting. I was so focused on the destination that I forgot to appreciate the journey, and more importantly, the experience through my children’s eyes.

Then came that unexpected moment of grace. A car-ride meltdown led to an impromptu stop by a seemingly unremarkable lake. What happened next was pure, unadulterated childhood joy. My three boys, then just 5, almost 4, and 1.5, transformed this simple body of water into their own personal playground. They splashed, they threw rocks, they laughed – they simply played. And in that unscripted, unplanned moment, everything shifted. I sat there, watching them, tears welling up (even now as I type this!), and realized that this – this simple, joyful connection with nature, on their own terms, was the most beautiful and memorable part of our time there. It ended up being their favorite memory from the entire trip, and I practically had to drag them away when it was time to leave. That experience has become a guiding principle for this “Wild Minds Wander.” I’m consciously reminding myself that it’s not about conquering a checklist of must-see spots. Though, let’s be honest, it’s a constant battle against the endless stream of “Top 10 Must-See!” reels and Facebook posts filling my feed!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the pressure to experience everything that everyone else deems essential. But I’m trying to remember that for my kids, and perhaps for all of us, wonder can be found anywhere – especially if water is involved! It’s about slowing down, being present, and truly soaking in the moments as they unfold, even the seemingly ordinary ones. It’s about embracing the detours, both literal and figurative, and trusting that the most meaningful experiences often arise from the unexpected.

So, as we prepare to hit the road, my intention is to balance our planned itinerary with plenty of room for spontaneity. To prioritize moments of connection and exploration over rigid schedules. To see these incredible landscapes not just through my adult eyes, but through the fresh, unburdened perspectives of my three wild minds. My hope is that this journey will be less about checking off boxes and more about breathing in the beauty, embracing the chaos, and creating a collection of cherished memories that truly capture the spirit of our “Wild Minds Wander.” The adventure, in its most authentic form, awaits.