At Last

At last, we had a trip that didn't leave me thinking: "I need a vacation from that vacation!"

Traveling with little ones can be difficult. You're away from the comforts of home, and in a smaller space (hotel room). You're most likely off schedule and at least slightly overtired.

You'll most likely need a drink. Or two.

The first time we attempted this trip, the kids were 6 months and 22 months, respectively. I honestly don't know how we fit everything into the car that time- two pack n plays, bottles, etc. - but we did. That trip exhausted me. I remember I even packed my book for our first day on the beach. It's hilarious to me now! I don't know why I thought I'd have the time or the hands free to turn the pages of a paperback.

I remember being glad to be on our first beach trip as a family, but also wistful at the thought of what we used to do on the beach all day before kids- read, nap, repeat. 

The following year was a bit better. We had a bigger room, the kids were a little older and more flexible. However, it was smack dab in the middle of a heat wave. You wouldn't think this would matter on a beach trip, but we were all sweating by 9am, and the sand was the hottest I'd ever felt it which left the kids crying and whining (not that we could blame them. I pretty much felt like crying and whining by then, too). It was a better trip, but I still left it feeling more tired than when I started it.

Fast forward to last week. Hampton Beach Trip #3. Knowing exactly what room we'd have, we were able to plan better. Rosie actually remembered the trip from last year, and seemed to really soak it in and enjoy it. Buddy loved the waves and getting dirty and messy in the sand. Steve and I had more than one moment when we looked at each other in awe- was it possible, after 3 years, that we were all finally really enjoying ourselves?

It seemed too good to be true.

I relaxed on this trip. I caught myself dancing to the Beatles tribute band they had one night. I found myself laughing a lot with my husband, which is one of my very favorite things to do in this world. I lightened up, lowered my expectations, and had a marvelous time. I even came home feeling refreshed!

I'm already looking forward to our next family trip. You wouldn't have caught me saying that before so easily.