Minnesota Thanksgiving

Enjoying a meal out at Lord Fletchers with the Hukee and Miller cousins!

Upside down tree in our hotel!

North Carolina Vacation: THE BEACH

It isn't ideal to raise kids 4 hours away from grandparents, but I assure me kids have nothing short of hundreds of memories with my generous parents.  They took my sister and her family, and me and my family on vacation this year for a week of rest, relaxation, and sheer fun!  Traveling with 4 kids and vacationing with a total of 13 people isn't the most relaxing vacation I've ever been on, but I tell you what, it was rejuvenating in a whole different way.  And although I did cross of the words rest and relaxation for obvious reasons, I almost undid that key stoke because in a strange way it was still restful and relaxing,  an excellent break from real life, we did enjoy a king sized bed, we did play cards, we did cuddle up together and watch playoff hockey at night, sleep in a little bit, cook less, hardly clean, and I get to read my bible every morning to the lapping waves on the shore while my dad delivered me a latte that he got for me from the local shop.  

I have so many wonderful things to say about our extended family vacation this year with my parents.  After poor weather in northern Minnesota the last two years, we took a flight to the Outer Banks of North Carolina and enjoyed fabulous weather and fabulous family!

We spent considerable time at the beach daily.  We started most mornings there digging for crabs, running out of the cold waves, and building castles.  And finished most evenings there flying kites, walking, and hunting for sea shells.  My kids did not play with toys the whole week.  I packed one ninja turtle figure for each child for the plane ride, but none of them used them.  I packed coloring books, which the kids used during the 10 of so minutes per day that they weren't on the move! And other than beach tools and pool stuff my dad brought, these charmers were entertained my constant sand and water fun!  I love when they are entertained by nature, family, and new experiences.