A few weeks ago, we wanted to go on a hike with our two kids and my sister and her husband. After weeks of rain here, the sun had come out. So, we wanted to get outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air along the American River.

Our 7 year old little girl ran around the house getting supplies for this hike. No, she did not get a compass nor a map. She got her small brown shoulder purse, her little white stuffed bunny (named Bunny), lipstick (really just chapstick), and a plastic spoon.  She brought her supplies in the car for our hike.

On the trail, she announced that we were searching for fairies. Little fairies would like the trail, so we had to look out for them. Bunny helped look for them too. Every so many feet, she would stop, lift her hand to her forehead and search around an area.

After about a mile or so of hiking, she started to get a little low due to the lack of fairy sightings.  A little snack helped the spirits (which she did call it the cure). She kept on hiking and looking.

Then, we found the perfect tree. It had to be a fairy home.  The tree had a small hole facing us with dark green moss around it. We even saw some pixie dust inside it.  Our daughter took out the spoon and scooped up a very small bit of the pixie dust. Bunny even checked it out and agreed! She could not stop grinning.

Something fluttered nearby. It had to be a fairy or two even watching us hike. She knew that they were close.

We walked over a small bridge and something fluttered nearby. It had to be a water fairy or maybe the tree fairy following us.

Bunny cheered on the fairy trees, the fluttering sounds, and little bits of pixie dust. And our little girl smiled the rest of the hike and the day.

So, make sure to look for fairies and the magic of hiking the next time you are out on the trail!