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.

The shores of Oceanside have become more than a backdrop for the Levine family's vacation; they've turned into a bustling construction site under the management Asterius.

His inaugural foray into the sands, dressed in a crisp white shirt, was more than a casual beach day—it was the scouting mission of a master builder. With a yellow ship pail in hand, he charted out the territory, his youthful eyes alight with visions of sandy castles and car dealerships yet to rise.

When next we visited the shore, Asterius came prepared, equipped with heavy-duty construction equipment: i.e. shovels, Alline and Dadda. With Alline by his side acting as shell sorter, Asterius and Dadda excavated the foundations of this ambitious construction project. As the foundation hole widened and deepened, several curious kids were drawn to the site, eager to join in on the fun. It was a gathering of young minds and busy hands, each child adding their touch.

The images in this post are vibrant with the hues of collaboration and the light of childhood concentration. Asterius, his gaze intense with focus, Alline, her hands a blur of movement, and the gathering of new friends, their faces lit with the thrill of creation, capture the essence of these moments.

From the solitary surveying of the sands in his white shirt to the bustling construction site commanded in his bright yellow consturction jersey, each visit to the beach has been a new chapter in Asterius's grand seaside story—a tale of creativity, leadership, and the simple, pure pleasure of play by the sea.

Greetings from the sunny stretches of Oceanside, California! The Levine family has embarked on a vacation filled with sun, sea, and the simple joys of family time. Our first few days here have been the epitome of  discovery for the youngest of the Levines.

Asterius, has claimed the backyard of our quaint Airbnb as his personal safari zone. Armed with blunt-tipped magnetic darts and a colorful beach ball, he gallivants around the pool on a whimsical hunt for Heffalumps (the imaginary elephant-like character from the Winnie-the-Pooh stories). Watching him in his element, strategizing and launching his "hunting weapons" with glee, is a sight to behold.

At the iconic Oceanside Pier, where history and the horizon meet, Caelum, snug in his stroller, reveled in the tactile odyssey over the old, uneven wooden boards. His eyes followed the seagulls' flight patterns, and his giggles mingled with the ocean breeze as passersby stopped to admire his contagious joy.

As the day waned into the golden hour, Asterius experienced the Pacific Ocean for the very first time. With Dadda by his side, he tentatively touched the cool, foam-frothed waters, the sunset painting memories on the canvas of his young mind.

A short drive brought us to Encinitas, where family ties were strengthened with Gigi's warm embrace. The delight in her eyes upon meeting Caelum for the first time was matched only by his wide smiles and hearty laughter, echoing the bond that spans generations.

Our stay in Oceanside is just beginning, but the moments we’ve collected already shine brightly like the treasures they are. Stay tuned as the Levine family continues to soak in the coastal charm and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Our visit to LuceLine Apple Orchard was a day filled with joy and discovery. Asterius enjoyed the corn kernel pit, sharing it with just his beloved dump trucks and no one else. Meanwhile, Caelum found wonder in the apple trees' swaying branches. Asterius even hopped aboard the kiddie train and took it for an imaginary ride in the absence of a driver.

What better way to celebrate Daddy's 45th birthday than with a family adventure aboard the vintage Great Northern train of the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway in the scenic heart of the St. Croix River valley?

Caelum was captivated by the swaying trees and rustling leaves along the route, nestled comfortably in his own "milk car" enjoying Amy's special milk on demand. His wonder-filled eyes and joyful smiles added an extra layer of enchantment to our already picturesque journey.

Meanwhile, Asterius, our little train enthusiast, was in his element. Just the week before, he and Daddy had immersed themselves in a world of locomotives and railways at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum. That visit served as a special prelude to this grand adventure. Climbing aboard the train, roaming between the cars, and watching the beautiful scenery unfold, he couldn't have been happier.

As the excursion came to a close, both boys, tired but content, peacefully napped during the car ride home. Their dreams were likely filled with the promise of more adventures yet to come, serving as a beautiful reminder that the best gift of all is the time we spend together as a family