Scenes from the River (And the Man Who Always Carries the Towels)

Some weekends are loud with plans. Others unfold more quietly. And not because there’s nothing happening, but because you finally let the river do the talking.

This past weekend, we loaded up the car with snacks, water shoes, and three rowdy children that had been wanting to go swimming all day. Our destination: the Ocoee River, just a little ways from the farm. It was so incredibly hot, and we had no plans for the rest of the day, so it felt like the perfect time to get wet. I read something years ago that said, when things get rough (irritable kids, boredom sets in, etc.), just add water. That could look like a bath, a day trip to the river, or even drinking a big glass of cold water. It all helps! I swear.

PJ always packs more than we need (my little perfectionist): extra towels, backup snacks, water bottles, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for everyone, etc., so that we’re always prepared. I took this photo after we just got out of the water to make our way down to another spot to swim. Since it was our kids’ first time swimming here in over five years, he wanted to make sure they got the full experience. The man lives for a planned afternoon, but more than that, he lives for us.

We spent the day hopping between swimming holes, floating down short stretches of calm water, and seeing how many cool-looking rocks we could all find to take home. The kids were feral and sun-drenched, the snacks disappeared faster than expected, and someone (I won’t say who, but she’s very small and very bold) faced her fears and swam under a bridge of rocks after working up the courage.

By the time we packed up, we were sore and tired from swimming, and the kids weren’t quite ready to leave yet, but we were happy. Happy in that deep, sun-tired, river-sticky kind of way that only July can deliver.

It felt like the perfect summer day. When I look back on it, I want to remember the way PJ looked standing in that river light, adjusting his hat and laughing at something Riah said. I want to remember the water, the rocks, the slow pace. And I want to remember the reminder: Sometimes the best days are the ones you don’t over-plan. You just show up, barefoot and willing.

River Day Favorites:
→ The best kids’ water shoes (they actually stay on!)
→ PJ’s go-to straw hat (similar)
→ The best cooler for snacks and sippy cups
→ Turkish towels (dry fast, look cute)