Goodbye Summer 2016

 

Next weekend is the unofficial end of Summer and beginning of Fall, yay! I know I show Fall a lot of love but I do enjoy Summer. I'll miss watching the kids running through the sprinkler while waiting for the ice cream truck.

Two treats from the ice cream truck costs about five bucks. That lady is making a killing. 

So much has happened this Summer. We moved from Texas to Washington. The kids seemed to have grown so much this Summer. Savannah is all legs and Mikey is almost just as tall as she is. Moses is crawling and eating everything in sight.

They all seemed to handle the move and the new time zone just fine. Once school starts next week and the cooler rainy weather rolls in we'll see how they handle not being outside as much. I've got some indoor activities lined up for them that should keep us all nice and busy until the sun comes back.

This Summer made me realize how much fun it can be to start new adventures. As a military family we start over a lot but I always forget how fun it is to be somewhere new. The first 90 days that you're in a place really does feel like a vacation because you experience so many firsts.

We have found quite a few new favorite places. The fountains and the waterfront in Seattle is a top pick of ours. We also hung out at a waterfront park that was absolutely breathtaking.

Savannah lost her first tooth this Summer. The other tooth came right in so for now she still has a full set. I expect her to lose the tooth next to it pretty soon.

And so here we are. We managed to survive a lot of changes. This time last year I was pregnant, tired and trying to manage everything. He was working full time, completing his practical for grad school and working part time at a hospital. 

So when I mean to tell you we have loved every bit of this Summer - we have LOVED it!

The end of the year is always a busy time for us with birthdays, the holiday season and our wedding anniversary is right at the end of the year. Between now and next June whenever I feel exhausted I'll think back to this Summer and how easy it was.

I know the sun will take her hiatus here soon. I will miss her and the simplicity she brings to our days. Goodbye, Summer. It was real. It was fun. It was real fun. See you in 2017. I already have big plans for you.

What was the highlight of your Summer?

Summer Vacation Tips for the Family

5 Tips for a Summer Vacation Every Family Can Enjoy

Between the planning, packing, and getting everyone else ready, family vacations can get a little stressful before the trip even begins. However, with the right preparations, every family trip can be smooth sailing and stress free. The key, as in all matters of motherhood, is to plan ahead, but not over-plan so much that you have to hand out a daily newsletter.  

• Tip 1: A family travels on its belly.  The key to avoiding cranky kids (and parents) is to make sure everyone is eating frequently and eating the right things.  Plan ahead by packing portable snacks like pretzels and fruit.  This will help avoid some impulse buys and too many sugary snacks along the way. Even if you have to take stops and grab something on-the-go you should still make healthy fast food decisions to avoid the repercussions later!

• Tip 2: The next key to a successful family vacation in making sure everyone gets enough rest.  This may mean paying a little bit more, but it is more than worth it in the end.  Typical family destinations, such as many Orlando hotels, are rife with family-friendly packages (including quiet hours policies!)  However, if you are traveling more off the beaten path, be sure to pick lodging that is not too low-budget.  While the cost may seem too good to resist while you are planning, it is all for naught if your room faces the pool bar someplace with no quiet hours.

• Tip 3: Don’t forget the hand sanitizer.  What mom worth her weight would travel without it?  You bought it and packed it, now don’t forget to use it.  Did you know airplanes don’t get a real thorough cleaning until their last stop of the day?  If your flight leaves at 4:00pm, then that plane has been a sort of germ incubator all day.  Don’t be paranoid, but be prepared.

• Tip 4: All the good done for our spirits while we are on vacation can be undone so easily with a bad “reentry” into real life.  Consider coming home a day earlier.  Let the whole family rest, sleep well and eat a couple normal meals before having to get back to school and work.

• Tip 5: Finally, remember to take some grown-up time.  Take turns with the kids to give each other some alone time or get a bottle of wine and some plastic glasses to enjoy on the hotel balcony after the kids pass out.  

So, after all the prep work is done, remember the most important rule of family vacations: slow down and enjoy the time together!  (That and use lots of sunscreen.  That’s one of the most important rules too, of course.)  

*This post was written by Kendra, former Orbitz Director of Communications and promoted into full time position in the care of Motherhood.