The last time I took a 2 week vacation, I was 24.  I took the week off from my (NEW) job before our wedding and the week after for our honeymoon.  Every other vacation has been the standard week and for the last decade our vacations have consisted of traveling to see friends—which is GREAT, do NOT get me wrong, but it’s quite different from a “vacation”.  So, if that gives you a little insight to what a big deal our vacation was…..you might have an inkling of our excitement these past 2 weeks.  Truly just bordering on the surreal, “pinch me” kind of moments.

Alas though, all good things must come to an end. Memories were made and as our daughter said, “I like vacation.  Vacation is awesome!”  I absolutely agree with her!

Thursday night, the Hubs and the girls and I–with the dog, all enjoyed a little hike along the river trail near the cabin and a leisurely swim in the river enjoying the evening with no agenda aside from packing.

Friday morning AFTER an eventful night (for me–everyone else was sleeping) of seeing a baby bear climb down from a tree in our backyard and haul a** back into the forest after being chased into the tree by a neighborhood dog, we began the trek back to my mom’s house.

First stop was the grave of one of the co-founders of AA.  It was a brief visit for the Hubs and though we didn’t really talk much about it, it was emotional.  For me, this man played a tremendous part in essentially saving my husband’s life by giving him the tools to manage his life, to manage his addiction, to help others navigate alcoholism, to have a second chance at the life God meant for us to have…..it was powerful.  I didn’t even get out of the car.  Hubs was quietly wrangling his emotions.  This moment, at the end of an amazing and long-dreamed for vacation, was a huge moment.  So much gratitude.  From both of us.

The next two days were spent with my mama, her hubby and my aunt (who was passing through on the way to see my cousin) were precious one-on-one times, rest and strolling around town.  Deer watching.  Firefly spotting.  No reason to rush.  Good stuff.

Initially, we planned on hitting DC for the day on the way home, but after realizing that our pup might not have as much access as we thought to the outdoor monuments, summer parking in DC, and 4000degree weather…we decided to make DC it’s own trip later this year or next.  THAT decision meant powering through and making the 16 hour trip in one shot, giving us 2 days of vacation at home before going back to work.

Sweet puppy!

Since we knew it was going to be a long day, it makes total sense for the morning to start out with a puking and pooping puppy, it was a rough beginning and a long a** day  with our final time of 17.5 hours home—thank you crappy N. Carolina for your humongous lunch time clusterF!  In the end though, we made it home, slept in our beds last night, got the grocery shopping done, laundry started and house mostly cleaned.  Aaaaand hit the YMCA.  It was a good Plan B.  Because transition back to real life is a toughie.

Now, it’s off to bed and enjoy ONE MORE DAY OF VACATION tomorrow!!!

Peace!!