Where the Wildflowers Grow

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Unplugged Perspective

There's a short trail about a half hour from our home that explodes with wildflowers this time of year. At just a 3-4 mile round trip (depending on how much exploring you do at the top), it's manageable even with young children in tow. So last weekend, my family and I gobbled down breakfast and set off toward our day's adventure.

Our little hiking party consisted of me with our 2.5-year-old daughter riding in a backpack carrier, my wife with our 10-month-old strapped to her chest, and our almost 5-year-old son marching proudly on his own two feet. We let him lead the way, which turned out to be perfect. His natural pace kept me from burning out in the first half mile, as I'm prone to do. My back was definitely feeling the weight though, a clear sign I need to start doing some strengthening exercises if I plan on being our daughter's personal transportation system for future hikes.

The climb was worth every aching muscle. When we finally reached the meadow at the summit, we were greeted by an endless sea of bright yellow balsamroot flowers stretching in all directions. The kids were blown away, their eyes wide with wonder.

But one of the most beautiful parts of our journey wasn't at the destination. It was in the hiking itself. While I was focused on the trail ahead, mentally calculating how much farther to the top, my son was fully immersed in the present moment: "Look how tiny the cars are down there! We're taller than those trees now! How did that big tree fall over?"

His observations made me pause and notice things I would have missed. The way sunlight filtered through new spring leaves. The cool mountain breeze carrying the scent of pine and earth. The symphony of birdsong accompanying our footsteps.

Children have this remarkable ability to find magic in the ordinary. They remind us that the journey itself holds as much wonder as the destination. As we made our way back down the mountain, I found myself walking a little slower, looking around a little more, and asking my own questions about the natural world surrounding us.

These family adventures into nature might seem small in the grand scheme of life, but I'm increasingly convinced they're anything but. In these shared moments of discovery, away from screens and schedules, something profound happens. We connect with nature, with each other, and with a simpler, more present way of being.

My back may have been sore for days afterward, but my heart was full. And next weekend, we're already planning another hike. I'll be doing my back exercises this week, and I'll be ready to see the world through my children's eyes once more.

Unplugged in Action

A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of family traditions. And while we just experienced our first full family hike with all three kids, I have a strong feeling that these outdoor adventures will become one of our most cherished traditions moving forward.

It might not follow a rigid schedule like "every Saturday at 8 AM," but I envision it becoming a beautiful seasonal ritual instead. Something we eagerly anticipate as winter releases its grip, temperatures rise, and trails transform with spring wildflowers and summer greenery.

These unplugged moments in nature offer exactly what I've been advocating for in this newsletter: genuine connection, shared discovery, and experiences that engage all our senses rather than just our screens. In many ways, that wildflower hike was the perfect embodiment of what "unplugging" as a family can look like. We traded digital distractions for natural wonders, notifications for birdsong, and scrolling for strolling.

What seasonal traditions does your family look forward to? I'd love to hear about how you're unplugging together as the weather warms up.

The Unplugged Idea: Plant Your Own Wildflower Patch

After seeing fields of balsamroot in bloom on our hike, I started thinking about bringing a little of that wonder home. This week's idea is to plant a small wildflower patch together as a family. You do not need a big yard or fancy tools. Just a bit of soil, some seeds, and a little patience.

Pick a sunny spot in your yard or grab a container if space is limited. Choose wildflowers that grow well in your region. Local nurseries or garden centers usually have seed mixes that support bees and butterflies. Let your kids help clear the spot, scatter the seeds, and water them. Then watch and wait. Growth might be slow, but that makes it even more exciting when green shoots finally appear.

Try it this way, based on your child's age:

• Ages 0 to 3: Let them scoop soil, water with a cup, or press seeds in with their fingers. The goal is to let them feel involved and messy.

• Ages 4 to 6: They can help spread the seeds, gently rake them in, and take over watering duties. You might even decorate plant markers together.

• Ages 7 to 10: Give them ownership of the whole mini patch. Let them track progress, draw the changes, or research what types of pollinators the flowers attract.

You are not just planting flowers. You are planting moments your kids will remember. You are showing them that growth takes time, care, and a little dirt under the fingernails. And when those first blooms appear, the pride in their eyes will mirror the wonder they felt seeing that mountain meadow filled with wildflowers.

As an added bonus, your little patch will provide food for pollinators and beauty for your family all season long. It becomes a living reminder of your adventure and a daily opportunity to pause, observe, and connect with nature right in your own backyard.

Unplugged Wrapped Up

As our screens grow more demanding, our children's need for natural wonders only deepens. The wildflowers will bloom whether we see them or not. The trails will wind through the mountains with or without our footprints. But when we choose to witness these moments together, something special happens. We create stories that last longer than any digital notification. This week, I hope you find your own trail to explore, your own patch of earth to plant, your own moment to unplug and truly connect.

-Ted

P.S. Been on any good walks or hikes lately? I’d love to hear about it, just reply to this email!

P.P.S. The trails are better with friends. Pass this along to a dad who’d enjoy the walk!