Vacation

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

Pull-ups? Check. Swim suits? Check. Sunscreen SPF 15, 30, and 50? Check, check, check. Blankies? Pool toys? Snacks? DVD player? Water bottles? More snacks? More toys? Oh honey, did you remember the camera?

Sound familiar?

This was our last weekend on our way out the door to spend some time in the Keys with my sister and her young family. SO much fun with little guys (together we have 4 boys ages 1, 3, 4 and 5), but so different than the vacations we used to take pre-kiddos. :)

Our last trip before starting our families was in Costa Rica backpacking all the way down to the southern tip and then flying back to the capital in a tiny little airplane with about 10 other passengers. As we landed, the tears in my eyes dried up but my heart was still pounding from the turbulence caused by air currents over the mountains.

This weekend we spent a lot of time by the pool and though our boys did great in the water, there is never a moment where a mother feels completely comfortable around water. I especially took note of my sister (who never appears to be burdened) and my littlest nephew who has no reservation about diving right in. He was so fun to watch as he was thrilled to splash and play and do belly flops in 6 inches of water (beach entrance pool), but there is never a time that you can take your eyes off of them and feel at ease. They need constant supervision. And for that reason, whether you are by the pool, the beach, the hotel stairs and balcony, etc, vacation takes on a whole new meaning for the parents.

I have a friend who clearly defined vacation as a time that you are without the kids and anything else is a "family" vacation. :) I understand that now.

They are both incredibly fun, but distinctly different.

I know several friends and aquaintances that have made it a priority to vacation without their dear children. Some do it every winter, some do it when they can afford it. Others are just good about doing a date night regularly.

How about you? Is this something that you and your husband have talked about/would love to do? Maybe you already take a weekend here or there? Maybe it hasn't happened yet?

Rob and I have yet to take a vacation on our own since having kids, but our 10 year anniversary is coming up this year and it may be time. I don't know that it would involve a backpack or risky transportation, but any time away to regroup as a couple and to focus on just the two of us would be time well spent.

I encourage you to pray (along with myself) about how God might be leading you and your spouse in this area--it's going to look different for everyone. It's when we open our hearts that He most surprises us!