Vacation B Sides

We are back from a week in Charleston, SC, and a MUCH needed vacation. Of course, the term "vacation" takes on an entirely different meaning when you're a mama. Vacation no longer means "freedom or release from duty, business, or activity". It's more like "exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something; labor; toil...in a different location". Once this definition is understood and accepted, vacations cease being quite as stressful and frustrating. In other words, you can vacation when you're dead.

I thought I'd share some pics that didn't make it to the front pages of Facebook. These are the "B Sides"...

 
Remember the good ol' days when families stopped at rest areas and parks and ate ham sandwiches on vacation? Well, anyway, we did. Here, the Stanfords are takin' it old school at an Alabama state park. This is the only time we did this. There's a reason people pay for the convenience of the McDonald's drive through -- convenience.

 
"The House". Do you remember Gomer Pyle? 19 people exclaimed a resounding, "Well, goowlee!" when we walked through the door. This is someone's second home, ya'll. What does their "real" house look like??? It's tough to read Radical while you're staying here, believe me.

 
This is a bunch of well-loved, innocent, carefree kids eating lunch on the steps. This picture makes me happy.

 
This is Her Majesty Evelyn the Great in her bike-driven carriage. We had a blast riding bikes together. We rode to the bridge and watched dolphins playing in the water -- for free! Do you know how much a Dolphin Cruise would've cost our family? I can't even think about it.

 
Gratuitous picture of darling boy baby. One day he's going to disappear. I will have eaten him for dessert. 
 
"I'd give all wealth that years have piled, The slow result of Life's decay, To be once more a little child For one bright summer day." --Lewis Carroll, "Solitude"

 
It's good to keep having babies. It lessens the pain of watching your first baby grow up and leave you. And while I've heard that it's a happy occasion and worthwhile goal to watch your children leave home, the impending ache in my heart screams, "Balderdash!"

 
Can you believe all that dry land was covered in ocean earlier in the day? I'm still so amazed by the tides on the East Coast. Dramatic! The tides leave fabulous treasures like sand dollars, starfish, and conchs strewn all over the shore. What a happy surprise for a Gulf girl.

 
My family complained sorely about the version of this picture that got posted on Facebook. We do look a little happier in this one. Claire had just thrown up that morning and was getting ready to throw up again on the way home. We had a tiny little stomach bug in the house that week (She said sarcastically).

I think I've learned something about vacations this year. I believe vacations grow sweeter in your mind the farther you get from them. I did have a great time while I was there, but my memories grow fonder by the day. So here's the thing. It's much easier to just stay at home and be comfortable. Vacations are hard work. However, tiny, insignificant moments are planted in the minds of your family on vacation. And from that time forward, grow and blossom into the loveliest of remembrances.

Starfish, dolphins, cousins, Mary Poppins treasures and the like get mixed together in a child to make a great foundation for a grown-up. Vacations -- lovely. Quite right.  

Comments

[Treva]

Love this post. Having just come home from vacation ourselves, I can so relate to your comments on vacation in general. Yes, we'll vacation when we're dead!

[liz]

Looks like a wonderful vacation. I know they are work but I agree with you, they are so worth the effort.

[Paige Riley]

Jennifer, I love all your pictures and the insights that come with them! What a great family! I agree totally about the vacation theory:) Great, lasting memories! I always enjoy your music too! You are the most awesome blogger!