One day, out of the blue, Micah suggested visiting a new place we had never been before. At first, I was just going to let it be him and the kids but I needed a break from my to-do list and decided to go along, too. At the last minute, I stuck my “work camera” in our backpack, reminding myself that I had made the commitment to capture as many candid moments as possible.

It was the perfect day, with the sun shining brightly and barely a cloud in the sky. The temperature was a balmy 65 degrees with a light breeze that made it just cool enough for a sweatshirt and we drove with the sunroof open, welcoming the hot touch of summertime.

The Matanuska Riverfront, a mere five minute drive from our home, is located on the edge of the town of Palmer, just as the road bends and joins the community known as the Butte (named for the Butte Mountain in its middle). While we had never been to the Riverfront before, we had visited the historic walking bridge a time or two, never venturing to the wide expanse off to our right.

Pulling into the parking lot, we unpacked the kids, grabbed a backpack for “treasures” and headed through the tunnel to the trail.

The first thing the kids said when we got to then Riverfront was, “Sand! We’re at the beach!”

Well, kind of. At least, as close to a “beach” as we have in the Valley.

The riverfront is covered in driftwood and fallen logs, which apparently makes for a great jungle gym.

While Caleb was jumping off logs, Samantha was happily playing in the dust, I mean, sand.

Micah wanted driftwood for some of his woodworking projects, so he kept the kids busy running back and forth collecting pieces.

I even managed to get in front of the camera for a bit for some pictures of me and my girl. And look! We’re twins with our matching pink hoodies!

I love the pure imagination and wonderment that comes with being five years old.

Caleb even got to handle the “big camera” for a few minutes and took some pictures of mommy & daddy.

At one place on the riverfront, someone had built a teepee out of driftwood and the kids LOVED playing in there. It’s things like this, enjoying the creation of a fellow Alaskan, that reminds us why we love this close-knit community.

“Look, Mom! I made the number ten!”

Oh, Alaska, how I love you.