Spring Break!

The boys & I just returned from our Spring Break vacation.  And wow, what a vacation it was!!

This vacation was much needed for many reasons.  It was our "half-way" point during Mike's deployment, it was a time to be spent with family, it was a time to relax, and it was a time to change the scenery from our everyday lives.  And, I think we accomplished all of those scenarios!!  

The boys & I flew to Arizona to stay with my parents at their winter home.  As the always-appreciated extra bonus, we also get to see my grandparents, aunt/uncle, as well as another uncle.  Little by little, my dad's family is moving out west -- and into the same retirement park!  

We had planned on going out all along, but this year, other family members joined in, and it turned into quite the family reunion!  I think the last head-count ended up being 30 people all together.  And while that number sounds high, that still wasn't even everyone!  However, getting that many people to one destination is quite a feat -- and a special one at that.  Both of my parents come from large families -- my dad being one of 5 children, my mom being one of 6 children -- and those children had children, and those children had children... I love big families!!  Yes, it can be chaotic sometimes, but it's a good chaos.  

I digress.  Here are some things I took in during our week away:

1.  All diets go out the window when your grandmother loves to bake, bake, bake; and your parents/aunts/uncles love to cook, cook, cook.  I mean, who am I not to partake?  

2.  It's always 5:00 somewhere.  Even at 8 in the morning.  

3.  Some days are meant to be spent either in your pajamas or in your bathing suit.  Or both.

4.  The game "Draw Something" is addictive.  And I may be responsible for a few family members going to Draw Something Anonymous meetings...

5.  Laying out in the sun with cousins & cocktails is mandatory.  Oh, and so are Real Simple & US Magazines. 

6.  Cousins are your first friends who love you and completely understand your crazy family members!  

And our kids getting to know each other & hanging out like we did when we were younger is priceless!!

7.  The "Game of Things" played Beyers-style is the BEST. GAME. EVER.  Pair that with margaritas, and well, the game took on a whole new meaning.  I think my face & stomach still hurt from laughing so hard!!!

8.  Having grandparents who are 90 & 94 years old is amazing.  I only hope that I'm half as active as they are when I reach either of those ages!

9.  The Grand Canyon really puts things into perspective for you.  Just when you think you're big in this world, stand next to the Canyon.  You become very aware of just how small you are.  You also become very aware of how few fences/guard rails there are, and become an instant nervous wreck & hold onto your children for dear life!!  Another observation... I was amazed at how eerily quiet it is at the canyon.  Aside from a random person talking next to you, all you hear is the wind blowing through the trees.  The view, the quiet... if I could sum it up into one word, it would be "amazing".  

10.  Visiting one of the "Seven Wonders of the World" with your children & your parents is a kind of special that you just can't put into words.  It's a moment in time that I'll never forget.

11.  Visiting Sedona and climbing a small mountain with your children is one of the best feelings in the world. 

12.  Meeting an old friend for lunch makes you realize that some friends really are for life.

13.  No matter how old you get to be, staying with your parents makes you feel like you're a kid again.

14.  I get sappy & nostalgic when I'm low on sleep, jet-lagged and still in a partial food-coma.

Here's hoping we have more trips like this one!!!