One of the best things in life is vacation. I was just looking at my sister-in-laws pictures of their recent vacation, and was reminded again how much I just love them (as I'm sure everyone does). Recently I was sorting some papers, and came across old work schedules. They indicated that I would work 50-60 hrs a week, and then take a week off, every month. I had forgotten that I did that, but do recall being able to take more vacations than most of my friends. I had the benefit of always having 2 jobs (one was just too boring), thus could work this many hours easier. I didn't make overtime working like that, but the joy of just taking off to go wherever was thrilling. I usually found one or two friends to go with me, and we'd just hit the road for a few days. I also took 2 months off one time to go to Alaska and back, get my wisdom teeth pulled, and then head out to Michigan for our church convention and then drove back to Oregon to finish off the trip. That was so much fun. Even all that driving by myself was most enjoyable, because of the freedom that went with it. I did have passengers for some portions of the trip, but the majority was solo.
So, now I'm looking at this summer and seeing where we can go, and what we can do. The options have changed now with kids, but there are still just as many available. We'll likely stay closer to home, since we've already made a Canada and Arizona trip this year. Hopefully we'll get our camper all decked out (a few more things are needed to make it totally usable) so we can take that wherever we go.
I guess what I love most (now, as opposed to when I was single) about vacations is the family time. The working together to make any decisions (where should we eat in this new town?) and to solve any problems that may arise. The many hours of visiting in the car together, with the same goals in mind. It realigns us as a family, if we've been going in different directions (which hasn't happened too much yet, since our kids are pretty small, but I can see it more as they get older with different interests). It resets our priorities (family time above all, and enjoying our children) and makes us just happy all over!!
So, now I'm looking at this summer and seeing where we can go, and what we can do. The options have changed now with kids, but there are still just as many available. We'll likely stay closer to home, since we've already made a Canada and Arizona trip this year. Hopefully we'll get our camper all decked out (a few more things are needed to make it totally usable) so we can take that wherever we go.
I guess what I love most (now, as opposed to when I was single) about vacations is the family time. The working together to make any decisions (where should we eat in this new town?) and to solve any problems that may arise. The many hours of visiting in the car together, with the same goals in mind. It realigns us as a family, if we've been going in different directions (which hasn't happened too much yet, since our kids are pretty small, but I can see it more as they get older with different interests). It resets our priorities (family time above all, and enjoying our children) and makes us just happy all over!!
