The kids and I just returned from a week at beautiful Lake Powell with extended family (for more glimpses at this annual family trip see here, here, here, here and here). I look forward to this unplugged time away every year. And while there was very little time for the things I imagined I'd be doing: reading, knitting, working in my sketchbook; I had plenty of time for other things: kayaking around our little bay, talking and laughing, cousin playtime, countless tube rides (two of which Elijah fell asleep on), enjoying some of the most beautiful surroundings on earth, swimming, wishing I was water-skiing (not for this pregnant mama, thanks), hearing fishing tales from my enthusiastic 7 year old fisherman, slinging rocks, lizard hunting, sharing meals and exploring.
I came to the realization on this trip that my vacation days may not look like I've envisioned at this point in my life. Just like my days at home, they are interrupted by squabbling siblings, a rambunctious and curious toddler, a sick child, or a someone who needs comfort or help or extra attention. Rather than be discouraged by my lack of time to do the things I'd planned (the aforementioned knitting, reading and sketchbooking), I chose to focus on the foundation we are building. I want to have an adventurous family and my little ones are learning how to travel long distances, eat new foods, entertain themselves without technology and sleep beneath the stars. In time I can see that the effort we have to put into camping trips now will pay off in the future with kids who love to be outside, who value travel and the rich experiences it brings and who are excited to set off on our next adventure.