The Reality of "Vacation"

Vacation- freedom or release from duty, business, or activity. an act or instance of vacating.

hmmm, that's what I thought it meant, at least for sure the first part but for me I think I need to also apply the second part of the definition in order to make it true for me.

Wednesday morning came around and it was official I didn't have to get up at 3:45 in the morning to get the coffee and lunch stuff out for hubby, I didn't have to re-get up at 6:00 in the morning to get ready for Smiley because she wasn't coming over. Ah, "vacation" has started!!! What are we going to do first? Sit outside in the morning, enjoying each other and coffee of course, plan a day trip, sleep in, hmmm.
We went for a bike ride which yes, meant I was running, and yes it meant more whining from "J". It was hot by the time we went, I was sore but hey, we were "vacationing" (sort of). We went to Costco after our ride/run they all got ice cream while we shopped. We came home Hubby plays his game which Jr. is right there next to him, "D" hangs out for a while but really would rather play as a team or be involved more. "J" likes his bi-lingual shows and Mom Jr. is content with spending time by herself in her room playing or listening to music.
I have come to realize "vacation" is really meant to vacate the premises to where you actually live. You need to go far away enough so that you don't fall into the same routine you are normally in. Our "vacation" consisted of Hubby playing his game on TV, watching sports, me cooking (as usual), and swimming maybe twice through out the time of being here. It's hard for us all to go out of complete routine when we are in the same place where we are all the time. Unfortunately, we at the time can not afford to take a nice vacation to leave our comfort zone. I have learned from this "vacation" we need to either walk away from what we are use to day in and day out and really try to enjoy just each other without our daily influences such as video games and T.V. As easy as it was for me to realize that it's that much harder to accomplish unless we are all on the same page.
We have watched in amazement at how much our daughter has accomplished in her dancing at the end of the year dance recital. It took all I had not to get emotional at what she has evolved into. My little girl is showing growth, grace in her movements, emotion in her dance, and maturity that wasn't there before. My boys are growing just the same, with strength in their swings at the ball, their competitiveness with each other for any sport they play.
Soon we were preparing for 4th of July. I purposely tried to make sure "J' wasn't born on the 4th. I wanted him to have his own day. 3 years ago I could feel the pains begin, I would just go lay down. I really took it easy so that he would stay in there until the 5th. Well, I accomplished my goal.
4th of July was fun, Great Grandma, Grandma, and Auntie La-la came over. We swam, barbecued, and did fireworks. It was nice.
The next day was "J's" big day, my baby boy turned 3!!! 3 years ago I checked in at 3:14 in the morning and he was born at 3:17. Yes, I wasted no time (or he didn't).
My lively little "J". The one who always has something going on, the best air guitar you've ever seen, the smile that just makes your day that much brighter!
"J" had a plan, he wanted a Diego pinata and a Dora cake. We gave him gifts, but he still wanted his cake, so Mom Jr. and I went out, got a cake, Diego candle, and Dora decorations. We decorated his cake, we all took him out to a restaurant (his other request). I thought for sure he'd crash after his dinner and sundae! No, he came home wanted his cake and ate it, then went swimming and still had to watch his shows!!! What can I say he is determined!!!
Needless to say the "vacation" flew by way too fast.
Work begins again for Hubby and Mom Jr. and I get back into the dance routine. Summer continues for the boys which they are enjoying.
As a child summer was long and fun, I hope it's the same for my children because as an adult days fly by, there's always work to be done, and the laughs are less as is the playing time......

Vacation-A time to vacate our daily routine, a time to enjoy each other, to relax, to make our days last as long as we can, to make our dreams go on just a little longer, to laugh a little harder, to release ourselves from what we are use to, to make memories.......................