Back to Back Vacations

Aren't vacations supposed to be relaxing? Aren't you supposed to get away from it all, sit back and relax, sleep in? In this family? Eh, not so much! The kids and I went to Branson with April and her kids for five days, were home for about 24 hours, and then headed to Stockton to camp for three days. It was a lot of fun, but I think I am more tired than before the vacations!

Staying at a condo was nice. We had plenty of room for us all to spread out and enjoy our time together. The pool was fun, and the few things we got out to do were good, too. We played mini golf, ate at a fun country style restaurant with a giant chicken in the front, visited the horse stables at Dixie Stampede, went to Dick's Five and Dime downtown, walked the Landing, took old time photos at Buster's, watched the fountains, and got some Maggie Moo's Ice Cream. We also watched movies, played trivia games, and visited. There wasn't much downtime (how can there be when there are 10 kids under 16 together for so many days?), and we didn't do all we had intended. But it was a lot of fun, nonetheless.

Then we were headed home. Laundry, dishes, sweeping, unpacking, repacking. All of it is worth it for some lake time! Connor and Canon had asked a few weeks ago if they could have kayaks for their birthdays, and if they could get them early to enjoy them for the summer (their birthdays are August and September). Connor did a bunch of research and price shopping online, and he found a great deal on inflatable kayaks on Amazon. Now, I will admit, I was a little hesitant. I thought they'd be flimsy, childish, and super fragile. But turns out they are made with the same material that white water rafts are made. They are really cool! And the boys are loving them, which is what really matters.

There was no wind this weekend, so no sailing. But it actually turned out to be a good thing. We don't usually get to pull the kids behind the boat or jump off the rocks or just anchor out to swim because it's not possible under sail. So we enjoyed that opportunity while we had it. The kids jumped off the cliffs for quite a while, and even I got in on the fun of tubing. It had been a while, and I had a blast!

The fireworks were great this year. Some people didn't agree with me, so maybe it was just my perspective...you see, I got to watch them with Castle. Now at 2 and 1/2, this is really the first year he paid any attention to them. He was so excited, and it completely rubbed off! He'd scream and point and shout "Look at that one!", or "Whoa!!", or "That one's my favorite!" about every other firework. He loved every minute of it, and I can't remember enjoying them that much for a really long time. Seeing something new in your world for the first time is always a magical moment, and I'm so blessed that as a mommy, I've gotten to do it multiple times.

Now we are home, again. The swimsuits and towels are in the laundry, and we had pizza delivered for dinner. Because now that vacation is over, it is time for...day camp! I'm SOOO glad to be rested an ready for this week! (Insert sarcasm here!!) Praying God's strength and energy or all of us, and for His spirit to surround us!