Vacations

Who doesn't love a great vacation? Who doesn't want to just get away. I mean it's the perfect time to take a break from the normal routine and focus on something different. It's really necessary for stamina and the ability to  just keep moving forward. Even God took a break when he finished creating the world, after all.  Because of our move, the kids are sorta obligated to spend their school breaks with their dad. Due to financial needs, Mark has been working more than usual. Needless to say, we have had to be creative in what and how we are "vacationing" this year. Part of my "creative" attempts to get through, I have actually been revisiting some previous vacations through pictures and stories. The kids and I have particularly enjoyed reminiscing over some funny stories and enjoyable memories. I enjoy making scrapbooks, particularly for this reason, they keep those memories and are always available for a jaunt down memory lane. (Although worthy of noting, college road trips and weekend getaways will be left for another blog.)

There's really no doubt why Disney World claims to be the Happiest Place On Earth. If you've ever been, I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. I've been 5 times (only 3 of which were actually with my children). You can't help but feel like the biggest kid in the world. I would know,  My home videos,complete with squeals, giggles and lots of excitement, prove that I can't even pretend that this isn't true. When my friend Chad had the opportunity to go himself (without his children, I might add) and see what all my previous excitement was about, I got crazy excited just to tell him how much fun he will actually have. While I was shopping at Wal Mart one evening, my phone rang. I answered, "Hello?"... to hear the response, "THIS IS THE GREATEST PLACE ON EARTH!" being shouted from the other end. He was calling me from inside It's a Small World, I believe. They are so good at what they do, they actually sell a book Be our Guest: A Guide to Customer Service.  It is required that no litter remain on the ground; if a scratch happens in any painted surface they will repaint it; they could be fired for not smiling and greeting everyone with cheerfulness. How could you not enjoy vacationing at a location that I am quite certain, in my opinion, pumps happy gas through the filtration system for its guests to breathe? Whether you have children or not, you simply have to experience Disney World (or I suppose even Land). For goodness sake, go!

A Carnival Cruise (I can't speak of any other cruise line) might be equally amazing, but for completely different reasons. The staff on these ships do a phenomenal  job too of keeping it clean and meeting customer needs. They really are there to serve your vacationing desires. Whether you take advantage of the on ship amenities i.e. pools, hot tubs, casinos, food.. OH THE FOOD!!, shows, dancing, games, or music.. or you further explore off ship excursions: shopping, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, fishing, site seeing.. gosh this list is just too long.. you will not be disappointed if this is your vacation option. In fact, you will likely find you are in need of a week's vacation from your vacation just to recoup and sleep. There's so much to do, it's nearly impossible to get everything done. I mentioned the food. Honestly, the amount of food on these ships is almost embarrassing, able to feed a small country. But the talent in preparing the food on the ships would be rivaled by most around the world. They literally sculpt statuesque figures out of food. The sites you have the opportunity to see will amaze you for a lifetime. Personally, I enjoyed my snorkeling trip and visit to Mayan Ruins in Cozumel, Mexico. If you get a chance, go!

Those are some price consuming options for vacation. Among my top favorite vacation spots are also rather inexpensive. I love the beach. I love the feel of the water rushing over my body. I love burying my feet in the cool crisp sand while the sun wraps it's warm rays around my body in a summer's hug. I can't deny that one of the best vacations I have ever experienced would be that of my honeymoon at the Most Beautiful Place in America. No it wasn't Hawaii, or the Grand Canyon, or Vale, or even San Diego, California. Instead it was right here in Michigan. Yes I said that, recently voted Most Beautiful Place in America by Good Morning America, Lake Michigan. We are blessed to be able to share a family place near Ludington, Mich. My husband and I spent time there on the beach, canoed down the Pere Marquette River, played at the sand dunes, visited Little Sable Lighthouse and climbed "The Project". We ate at great restaurants and shared some fabulous ice cream. We also drove up (past Lk Mich, I realize) and visited Mackinaw City and The Bridge. It's IMMENSELY obvious why Lake Michigan has been given such dubious distinctions! If you haven't been, go!

Some day, Lord willing, when we find ourselves in the retirement phase of life, I have one of two wishes for ways to spend  it. If we are able, I would love to either relocate permanently to Lake Michigan, having a cabin big enough to accommodate our family and friends for frequent visits. Or I have always said, I would love to buy a luxurious motor home and travel the world. My family loves to camp. I think it would be an amazing way to vacation and see the country all the while.

Some of our favorite family memories revolve around camping. We have done some serious hard core camping excursions i.e. sleeping in a wigwam and cooking all our food over an open pit fire and peeing only in a port-a-john and no showers for 3 days.. (yes, major props are due!) Most often, I will confess, we are comfortable in our modest trailer complete with electricity, heat, running water and a/c even. But our memories really have nothing to do with accommodations. More importantly, the times around the camp fire, the bike rides, time with friends, and usually some fireworks/sparklers fun remain in our scrapbooks and memories. We love our traditional (in fact our only one this year) trip to family camp in Vassar, Mich. Sometimes we trek off to a nearby campground just for an easy getaway. It never ceases to feel as though we are in a far off place. Last year, we camped at Sauder Village in nearby Archbold, Oh. They offer a unique interactive historical pioneer village to visit and explore along with your traditional camping amenities. We went in the fall while they offered harvest festivities complete with making your own caramel apples, pumpkin decorating,and  hay rides.  Also, if you camp, you can take advantage of the indoor pool!!  If you haven't tried camping anytime recently, go!

Of course, even though we haven't had the chance to really get away on any big vacations this year, we have made the time and resources this year work for us. We've camped, gone to some concerts, had picnics at the park, a quick trip to nearby Cedar Point among other memory making day activities. The year isn't complete and I do hope to get in a few more jaunts before it is over. The bottom line is, no matter your resources or preferences are get out and make memories. See something new. Do something fun. Experience something out there. It doesn't have to be expensive or lavish. It doesn't have to be a lot of work. I doesn't have to be far away. It just has to be something you like, something to make memories with your family. Just do it, go!