We got back last night from our summer vacation.  Everyone has been saying, “We hope you had a restful vacation.”  I think to myself, “Have you ever traveled far with four children ages 5 and under?”  Restful is a pipe dream.  We don’t go for restful;  we keep our goals realistic. Fun, meaningful, and memorable are attainable.

 

We are also not a family that does big, expensive, theme vacations.  Our vacations are never ski trips, Carnival cruises, or getaways to exotic international ports of call.  Our vacations are road trips to see family.  Since my parents live 801 miles away and my in-laws live 553 miles away, we only go “home” once or twice a year.  This summer was one of those double trips where we were gone for nearly two weeks and visited both sets of parents.  

 

We always try to build in some fun little day trips into the mix.  In Illinois it was my 20th high school reunion and a trip to a minor league baseball game for Papa, Chase, and me.  In Tennessee it was a trip to Dollywood and to another minor league game for me and Chase (pictured above).  Lacey and I also usually try to work in a couple of lunch and shopping dates, sans the kids.

 

But the greatest thing about these vacations is always the relationships.  Running into old friends is great.  Quality time with the kids in the car is “fun.”  Spending quality time with family is priceless.