Vacation Anticipation

Is there anything better than counting down to a vacation? I'd daresay it's better than the vacation itself, because your hopes of how good it could be are very high and there isn't anything that can get you down.

Not even the planning. Or the packing. Or the list making. These things can be daunting, especially when you're packing for two adults and two kids for three nights (the longest we've ever stayed, anywhere).

Which brings me to realize... my kids and husband have it easy! I always do the packing. I'm honestly not complaining- I like it that way. I know that everything that needs to be packed will be packed, and if isn't, I can only get annoyed at myself! I do have to pause for a moment and think about how nice it must be to just go on a vacation and have someone pack everything you could possibly need for you. Those lucky ducks! Steve does do all the driving, though, both ways, which I am very grateful for. It does work out equitably.

We made our reservations back in January for our favorite hotel on Hampton Beach. This will be our third year staying there. While not on the main drag, we can see the beach from our hotel, which is a very good thing when you're standing there with two little hands that need holding, beach umbrella, chairs, cooler, etc. I think no matter what, it'll take two trips this year, unless we sprout extra arms overnight and scare everyone on the beach in the process.

I. cannot. wait. Last year was both Rosie & Buddy's first time at Hampton, but Buddy was only 6 months old. This year, I can't wait to watch his reaction as he runs in and out of the water for the first time.

These kinds of "firsts" are the things I looked forward to most about having a family. We're now getting to do them and I couldn't be happier. 10 years ago, when Steve and I went to Hampton for the first time, I thought I couldn't be happier then. Life is so much richer now.

There will be tantrums. There will be crying. It's inevitable. But as long as I get to feel the sun on my skin, smell the salty air, and feel the sand between my toes, I think everything else will seem small in comparison.

Hampton Beach, here we come!