Summer Plans

This summer, we're trying to pack a lot of fun into a few short months!

We'll take the boys to our family beach cottage in the early days of summer.  Hard to believe that my boys, ages 3 1/2 and 2, have never been to the beach.  It just hasn't worked out for timing.  But this year is our year!  We saved up our time off of work so that we could really enjoy some much-needed vacation time down there.  This is the quietest beach with white, sugary sand and gentle waves since the beach is framed by two barrier islands that block much of the rough water.  The beach was a vacation staple of my family while growing up.  We'd go there every summer when we could.  The cottage is owned by my mom's parents and it is such a fabulous place.  Every time I go to the beach, I am truly able to unwind and relax and remember what's important-- people, not technology.  There's always time for a good read since less time is taken up by staring at a computer screen or phone screen. Having some days off of work to soak in some family time and introduce my boys to sand castles, seagulls, and waves makes me yearn for May!  I'm hoping it will be a great time of relaxation to kick start our summer!

Then in July, I am getting to have a few days by myself.  This will be a much-needed mom-vacation.  A little break from diabetes care and from my job.  I'm going to spend some time with friends and enjoy some girl time when I can shop and watch girly movies and giggle and hopefully do some baking and sight-seeing.  I'm really looking forward to this trip!  I know I'll miss all my guys, but I know some time to myself is important, too.

In August, Aaron and I are heading out on a road trip-- just the two of us.  Our boys will stay with grandparents (we have 3 sets in town) and our dogs will stay with other grandparents (or maybe those grandparents will just stay at our house).  Aaron and I are embarking to Maryland to visit my dad's mom.  In the 6 years we've been married, Aaron and I have traveled to Washington state (where he's from) a few times, but we have haven't ventured to my family beach cottage more than twice (which we're remedying in May), and he hasn't been to Maryland at all.  I want him to see where my dad grew up.  We plan to do a few short day trips while we're there, like going to Amish Country (one of my favorite things), going to Gettysburg, and Washington DC.  Eating steamed blue crab is also a must! We are really looking forward to some uninterrupted time together during this 12 hour road trip! I know we'll miss the boys fiercely, but it is very important for married couples to get some time alone to reconnect and refresh.  I'm excited about this time I'll have with him, and I know my boys will be well-cared for.

Summer is not typically my favorite time of year.  This year, I have found, though, that I'm actually looking forward to summer.  After our wacky winter, and having to wonder if my boys needed jackets, or heavy coats, or no coats at all was tiring and frustrating.  It will be nice when I can just dress them in shorts and a t-shirt and call it good.  Our summer trips will also make the summertime seem to fly by.  This is the first year when Aaron and I are actually able to take a substantial amount of time off and I am so thrilled to do so!

Bring on the summertime!

Until Next Time,
Much love, Reba