Last week was spring break and my kiddos and i headed out to play in the sand and surf and to visit cool places. We were all a bit sad that papa had to work and wasn't able to join us. The day before we were set to leave my kiddos questioned whether we should leave for five whole days and if we could have as much fun without dad there. I must admit that i had doubts myself. But i revisited one of my favorite quotes and then shared it with my kiddos:
"There are two things to aim at in life: first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of mankind acheives the second." - Logan Pearsall Smith
We decided that we would make the choice to truly enjoy our vacation - and set off for a week of fun.
We had the best time ever because we made an effort to focus on the simple pleasures like:
watching the sunrise over the ocean from our hotel balcony,
taking bubble baths in a tub that mama didn't have to clean afterwards,
wishing on twinkly stars while staying up way past our bedtime,
giving and receiving huge bear hugs,
being tickled and getting ticked,
jumping in the cold, salty ocean, and squealing with delight,
digging for sandcrabs (and collecting and counting and playing with said sandcrabs),
falling asleep each night to the sound of waves crashing (except for the night that the lacrosse team staying on the floor below threw a wild party!)
saying bedtime prayers all together,
playing 'this little piggy' on the toes of my too-quickly-growing kiddos,
sharing a bed with my girly who is always super warm and gives the best good-night hugs,
enjoying yummy breakfasts we didn't have to prepare while reading the newspaper,
feeling the warm sand seep between our toes,
Saying "I love you" and hearing "I love you" over and over again.
We returned home feeling very 'wise' indeed.
Enjoy your weekend friends!
It sounds like it was the perfect vacation. I'm glad you made the est of it.
Posted by: Beth | April 16, 2011 at 09:46 AM
love it. way to go.
Posted by: Denise | April 16, 2011 at 09:52 AM
Sounds marvelous!
Posted by: christina | April 16, 2011 at 12:47 PM
I'm glad you had such a wonderful vacation. My husband is in the dissertation portion of his doctorate program and so I know all to well how hard it can be taking trips away from daddy because he has to work...love the quote!
Posted by: Andrea | April 16, 2011 at 01:42 PM
Looks like fun! I hope you weren't nearby and didn't let me know....I would have loved to meet up with you!
Posted by: Rose | April 16, 2011 at 04:21 PM
So glad you had a good time! And we also are a family that can't always have our daddy w/ us on vacations....so there are always lots of pictures and the kids pick out a treasure from our trip to share with him. (He's starting to get quite a collection of rocks..ha!)
Posted by: Amy J | April 16, 2011 at 04:59 PM
Sounds awesome! I feel like packing my bags right now!!!
Posted by: Stephanie | April 16, 2011 at 04:59 PM
What a wonderful time! Looks like you made the right decision.
Posted by: Mary | April 17, 2011 at 09:29 PM
Good decision! I am glad you took some time off. I dream of going to the beach soon!
Posted by: Imene | April 18, 2011 at 09:55 AM
It sounds like it was a special weekend for all of you.
Posted by: tara | April 18, 2011 at 10:01 AM
what a wonderfu, time the four of you had together. I love that you did what made you happy and that you enjoyed it too. I miss the beach....it's so nice that you take spring trips to the beach when it's not so crowded or hot.
Posted by: Lisa Q | April 18, 2011 at 03:30 PM
What a wise choice you made! I'm surprised you thought you wouldn't have fun without your husband. You're one of the most creative and involved moms I know...the kids just couldn't be bored around you! I love the list of simple pleasures that made the trip memorable. So thankful you are home safe and sound...and were kept safe from those tornadoes!
Posted by: kristyn | April 19, 2011 at 09:10 AM
How very delightful!!! I'm sorry hubby was tied up with work but that happens and I know for myself that I've missed out on many things I would wish to do because a work commitment took priority. But he would have felt even worse if everyone had missed out on his account.
Hope you had a nice Passover celebration ~ and are enjoying lots of coconut macaroons - LOL
Posted by: MrPuffy | April 20, 2011 at 01:20 PM
What a wise momma you are. So happy you had a good time, sounds and looks (your pics are great) like it was wonderful!
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