Vacation blues

VACATION! 

There is just something about that word. When you hear it you instantly think, warmth, swimming, fun, ice cream, books, car rides, pictures, and family time. 

This vacation met all of those qualifications...and more!

So my whole family and I were traveling to meet up with a wonderful family that we have been friends with for a long while now...but we weren't been able to see each other in person yet. Everyone was counting down the days..eager for the moment when we would be able to give each other a hug. Oh, and I was counting down the day to hold their precious little girl, Moriah. 

We all hit off really quickly! It was a blast to see everyone playing in the arcade in the hotel that we were all staying in. You should have heard us laughing..it was such a joyous noise. In fact, once in a while I would just step back and smile...seeing my little siblings playing with their new friends was so fun! Then I'd look around and realize, yes! My friends are here as well! 

Beautiful Lydia! Ah, a dear friend indeed! <3 She and I chatted like we had see each other everyday. It was such a blessing to talk with her..and to finally give her a hug! I can still remember the moment I saw her walk into the hall at the hotel. I squealed (something I rarely do..lol!) and ran over to Lydia. Such a beautiful memory! <3 

It was actually raining on the first day, but towards the end of the day, the sun peaked out and we decided to go to a park. Lydia, Chae, and Grace, taught me and my siblings new fun games to play. It was a blast to run around on the playground again like a little kid. :D I was a little sore that night..but it was worth it. haha!

ICE CREAM (no explanation necessary.) 

The night at the hotel was such a wonderful one..even more so because all 7 of us older girls got to have one big slumber party in the 'girls room'. :D We had popcorn, soda, candy, chocolate...ah, the works. We all shared stories..played dutch blitz, listened to Christian music, laughed..laughed..laughed. It was such a fun evening! I had previously asked Lydia "How late are you willing to stay up? lol!" and she replied "How early are YOU willing to stay up?". Can you guess how late we stayed up? 

The morning dawned a cloudy day. But, the clouds couldn't possibly put a damper on our high spirits. We woke up to a wonderful breakfast of fruit, yogurt, eggs, toast, waffles, juice..everything possible for a breakfast. I went simple with yogurt, granola, toast, fruit and apple juice. It was really yummy. :) After the delicious breakfast, we all grabbed our jackets (sadly it was slightly chilly) and headed for a walk on a wooded trail. 

I don't have many pictures of the trail because..well, I was holding Moriah again. She fell asleep on the quick car ride over, so I quickly asked if I could carry her part of the walk. Ah..the beautiful little baby! After a while, she woke up and wanted her momma.. but I enjoyed the moments I had with her. ♥ 

This is actually the only picture Lydia and I got together.. I am so glad we took this one, Lydia! We were both constantly taking photos of everyone else (and even each another, right? ;) ) but not many of just her and I. Let's just say...this vacation was wonderful. I will never forget the day I meet my beautiful friends, Leah, Lydia, Chae ( don't worry, I remembered you are older..lol!), and Grace. The memories we made together are priceless! ♥

Leaving..it was near impossible. 

I think everyone purposely tried not think about leaving part of meeting each other. In fact, it never crossed my mind. Then it came. We had to get home.. Let me tell you, I never cry. At first I told the girls that I felt bad that I wasn't crying when they were...that made them laugh for a second. :) Then, right as it was time to give the last hug, the tears came. Lydia jokingly said she was going to "capture the moment by taking a picture." 

The clouds perfectly show my feelings about leaving my dear friends..but nothing wonderful can last forever I guess... I cannot wait until the day I see them all again! ♥

Can you guess how EARLY we (the older girls) stayed up?

What are your fond memories of vacations?

If you could go anywhere for a 48 hour vacation, where would you go??