life's a beach

Once upon a September we went on a family vacation to the beach.  We spent 5 days playing in the sand and swimming in the warm atlantic.  it was dreamy and magical.  The days blended together because each day was the same.  We woke up, made a hearty breakfast, went to the beach with a few snacks, and retired back to our hotel only when we were starving (or it was raining).  Everyday we built a massive sandcastle.  Everyday we snorkeled.  Everyday we added to our seashell collection.  Everyday was perfect because we were together.

  

 those few days changed us, not just the way we think about vacation (and what it means to relax) but it made us realize how important, valuable and essential our time is together.  Aaron and I would go to bed at night talking about our goals and dreams for our kids and for our family.  Since we've come home, we are different.  We are making big changes... some financial (scrimp and save so we can vacation well) but most have to do with our time..  how we spend it and what our kids do with theirs during the weekday, and how we can get the most out of our time together on the weekends.  We've realized that even though we're back and have to adhere to a schedule (dentist appts, carpool, scouts, chores) EVERYDAY we have still been to feel that peace we had together as a family on the beach.  I can't really explain the feeling, but it's acknowledging that I don't want to be anywhere else than where I am.  I love the stages that my children are in right now, today.  Our life isn't a beach, it can be very difficult at times, but it's also very rewarding.  Life is good, but there is always room for improvement.