From very first day, it was clear this was going to be a really special experience for our family. We found a clean, friendly hotel, Red Planet, with a room big enough for six of us. It was $15 a night. Our window faced rear of a nightclub, and we giggled ourselves to sleep as Pink Floyd and Michael Jackson were blasted from speakers outside. One of our daughters became quite adept at unclogging toilet and bathtub drain.

We wandered curving streets, marveling at sights and sounds. Each meal was an adventure as we made it a point to invite single diners to join us. We met fascinating people of all ages from around world.

Highlights include dashing into a tiny Italian restaurant during our first two hours in Kathmandu as we were caught in a torrential downpour—our first rain since leaving Oregon. A hilarious but fairly sleepless night sharing a tea house room with rats. Children, especially young boys, trailing us everywhere we trekked. Breakfast on our roof with a breathtaking view of Annapurnas. Ducking to avoid spider webs dripping with dew while riding elephants in early morning. Exploring richly scented temples. Spontaneous dancing in streets.

We have never, ever laughed more than we did on that trip. I had to use an asthma inhaler—not for any allergies, but because I laughed so hard that I started wheezing! Every single day was full of absolute joy and discovery. It didn't matter in slightest what we were doing. We were together, we were exploring, and we were having time of our lives.

Granted, a road trip to southern Oregon isn't nearly as exotic. Still, what we learned in Nepal is magic of being in moment. Our kids discovered power of being present and open to whatever day may bring.

It's a priceless lesson we feel fortunate to have learned early. That trip was a gift that keeps on giving. It provided a shining example of true mindfulness for our growing daughters.

We're heading south. Our intention? To be together. To explore. And to laugh our heads off.

I'll bring my inhaler.

Homemade Finger Paints

Soak 1 envelope of unflavoared gelatin in 1/4 cup warm water. Set aside.

Stir together 1/2 cup cornstarch 3 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan and gradually stir in: 2 cups water Cook and stir over low heat until blended.

Remove from heat and add softened gelatin. Divide mixture into individual containers for each color you want.

For each color, add a drop of liquid detergent first, and then add food coloring a drop at a time.

This will keep for several weeks in fridge.

* * * * * * * * * * * * Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day!