Amana Colonies Revisited: Cherishing Moments, Not Places

Not everything is as I remember it⁠ ⁠ Have you ever been let down by revisiting a place a few years later? This happened to me recently. We went to the Amana Colonies 10 years ago with Steve's parents and loved everything about it. The food was spot on, fall decorations were over the top, and we made so many memories. ⁠ ⁠ Fast forward to this trip, I ended up apologized to the kids after we walked around because it was a big let down. While there were fall decorations and delicious German food, some shops were closed and it seemed almost deserted. The spark was gone and it hit me really hard. ⁠ ⁠ A few days later I have the realization that while places may change, its the people you are with that make it memorable. That is where the magic happens! It was a great reminder to be grateful in the moment and purposely seek out something special everywhere we go, even if it doesn't live up to what is in my mind. ⁠ ⁠ Follow us at @exploringoutsidethe303⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠