The Levine family recently embarked on a memorable journey to Cedar Falls, Iowa, to pick up a new addition to the family: a 31-foot 2024 Jayco RV. And of course, it adds to our fleet of oversized vehicles, looking right at home next to Amy's school bus (aka LR4).

Asterius was thrilled, envisioning future family trips, particularly the prospect of sleeping in the bunk beds. The interior of the RV, with its cozy nooks and many features, sparked the imagination of Asterius.

Driving the RV back, Dadda got a real feel for the size of the new vehicle. Feeling like he was commanding a semi-truck and terrified of backing up, he exclusively chose semi truck-only parking.

This new RV promises many upcoming adventures and priceless family moments on the open road. We can't wait to share more of these journeys with you on our family blog!

In October 2024, the Levine family embarked on a trip to Ely, Minnesota, which turned out to be more than just a retreat—it was the profound fulfillment of a vision.

Several months prior, Michael had a striking vision of Amy experiencing the Northern Lights over inky dark waters as a crucial part of her healing journey. This vision occurred without any awareness that the eventual trip to Ely would perfectly coincide with the solar maximum, the peak of the sun's 11-year solar cycle when its magnetic field flips and solar activity increases, promising the most brilliant auroral displays.

The universe seemed to have orchestrated the timing of our arrival in Ely with this cosmic event. The sky danced with the shimmering colors of the Northern Lights—green and purple hues swirling above the inky blackness of the water below. The scene was eerily identical to Michael's vision, unfolding just as he had seen it, down to the finest detail. 

Laying on the dock under the celestial display, we felt a deep connection to the universe and to each other, a reminder of nature’s power to awe and heal. It was a poignant moment that underscored the mysterious ways of the cosmos. 

While our nights were illuminated by the surreal aurora borealis, our days were filled with exploration and discovery. Asterius, with boundless curiosity and enthusiasm, took to the wilderness with an explorer’s spirit. Asterius, Dadda and Paddington, embarked on mini-expeditions hopping onto some of the small shore islands dotting the river by our cabin. In another adventure, Dadda, Alline, and Asterius took an exhilarating canoe trip on the river. This took a tense turn as the weather grew ominous, churning up white caps and forcing them to make a cautious retreat back to shore. Asterius’ imagination also turned a visit to our cabin’s sauna into a fantastical adventure aboard a rocket ship.

Our educational visits to the North American Bear Center and the International Wolf Center were also highlights of the trip. At the North American Bear Center, Caelum's fearless exploration of a mock bear den was a testament to his boldness. The following day, the International Wolf Center provided us with an appreciation for these complex creatures. Asterius and Caelum were also captivated by a flight simulator at the Wolf Center. They took turns piloting a virtual airplane, pulling levers and flipping switches, watching as it soared over virtual landscapes to track isolated wolf packs.

One of the most endearing memories was the creation of s'mores over a bonfire. Watching Asterius roast his first marshmallow and experience the delight of s'mores under a starry sky was a reminder of life’s simple pleasures and the joy they can bring.

This journey to Ely was a profound celebration of life, nature’s beauty, and familial bonds. It was a reminder of the healing power of the natural world and the profound impact it can have on our spirits. The connections we strengthened there, have left a lasting imprint on our hearts, reinforcing our belief in the unseen and the mystical moments life offers.