Our Family Vacation...a Chaotic Adventure

Vacationing with kids is no vacation.

I swore to myself this statement wouldn’t be true before our beach vacation last week… but as the chaos commenced I had to eat my words. 

When you picture the perfect vacation,

you see relaxation and the enjoyment of the beautiful place you’re visiting.

But when kids are involved,

a vacation may have a different definition.

Vacay expectations vs. reality:

When you’re on vacation there is no schedule.

False.

Between naps, planning meals, and bedtime…

You’re on a constant toddler timer.

If you don’t schedule your day just right then you will most definitely be stuck with an overtired demanding little one ruining that pretty beach sunset.

Vacations are carefree.

Ha. Jokes on you!

Did you know beach homes aren’t baby proofed? It’s bad enough worrying about drinking adults walking up and down 3 stories of steep tile stairs,

but now let’s add carrying a baby and all their toys.

Vacation just became a little more challenging.

Vacation outings are a must.

Until little ones are involved.

Now every outing includes packing a diaper bag and all the essentials.

There is no such thing as just running to the pool or a quick trip to the beach.

All the essentials must be packed to avoid major meltdowns.

You come back from vacation feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Let’s go with the opposite.

I have been in bed before 10 every night since we have been back.

Vacation was one of the most exhausting…

Best times of my life.

So yes the above statements include a lot of nagging and complaining.

But all that aside, the beautiful memories outweigh it all.

To watch my oldest truly experience the beach; 

I only wish I could have lived through her experiences.

Feeding the seagulls…

Walking out into the ocean without a fear in the world…

She enjoyed every minute of it.

Livia was overwhelmed in all the best ways.

Chasing a sandpiper down the beach truly believing she could catch it.

Floating in the pool for hours.

I’m beyond jealous of her gorgeous tan.

And sweet little Gem, 

Her first time at the beach was priceless.

She crawled down the beach like she owned the place.

(And yes, a little sand might have been eaten)

But she was truly a beach bum.

So I guess a better way to describe this vacation…

I’d say it was a trip.

A breath taking, yet tiring trip.

A trip that was a chaotic adventure.

The memories are all a beautiful blur.

So while a family vacay may not be easy,

It’s ALWAYS worth it!