Our Final Vacation of Summer

The week before school began, we headed off to our final vacation destination:  Las Vegas.  For the past ten years we try to make the trek yearly as my sister-in-law and nieces live there.  This year it seemed like the timing was off as Ernie had just started a new job the day before.  Oh, I forgot to mention he quit?  Moving on. . .

The trip went ahead as planned and we were really excited about it because in the first time in what feels like forever, their dad (Pa) was coming to spend some time there too.  E's sister had bought a house a year ago and it would be the first time any of us had seen it--pretty cool that we would all be out there together!  In addition, Aunt Timi was there with cousin Joshua so it really was an adventure! 

We hit Circus Circus together where daddy won all his kiddos prizes. I think he may have had more fun than the kids!  I tried not to watch how much money was pulled from the wallet each time another game was attempted.  I might have been thinking, this stuffed toy is costing us how much? I tried not to let that rain on their parade. . . One night Kayla and her boyfriend babysat at the condo so we could go out for a night on the town.  Thanks to my oldest niece, Monique, we got show tickets for a Motown show at great prices!  The music was enjoyable and the buffet feast that followed at New Orleans was both affordable AND delicious!

Our days were spent sleeping in and poolside.  We had lunch at the condo and explored the new facility.  We genuinely relaxed catching up with our loved ones and enjoyed every second we were there.  We were anxious for home simply because we've been gone for three weeks of our summer.  That never happens.  Until now, when it did.  I can't get over all the incredible adventures we shared, places we've seen, activities we've enjoyed.  It boggles my mind.

Summer did exactly what all of us needed: gave us a change of scenery and rest.  I'm feeling incredibly blessed by the opportunity to spend so much together time these last couple months.  For the first time in years. . .years, I didn't open my work bag at all.  Zilch. Nada.  I feel like I truly stayed in the moment and tried to be present with the kids and intentional with our time together.

My Canon didn't get carried around too much this year.  I tried to focus on being a part of the action, not just capturing it on film and for the most part, I think I did all right.  I always want to remember that as we left Las Vegas, we prayed for safe travels.  My Nessa Bessa called out her own prayer, "Dear God, thank you for taking me to Big Bear and Las Vegas and camping and I had fun. Amen."  Ernie smiled and said, he doesn't care if she knows her colors or not, her heart is for God and that's worth more than anything.  And I smiled.  I felt like we were on the same page with our thinking in that one simple statement. 

It's hard to let go of the expectations of the world, but really that is the only way to be free.

  He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"--Micah 6:8

Summer is officially over.  School starts today.

We have a new school year to love, show kindness and walk humbly with our God.

He is enough.

He will give us what we need. 

August 13, 2011

We spent a lot of time at the hotel pool.

The kids got plenty of practice time in.

So much so that by day three they were having full blown timed competitions against each other.

I'm not gonna lie--there were tears.

And re-do's.

And more tears.

Then we called it a day.

August 12, 2011

Day two began our adventures at Safari Park, formerly known as Wild Animal Park.

Five minutes upon arrival, we experienced a broken shoe for the 8-year-old. 

I told her to bring tennis shoes...

so much for listening to Mom.

We met up with a friend of mine, her daughter and two of her friends.

They made our trip a lot easier with some helpful hands and stroller pushers.

I was practicing using my camera in manual mode.

This beautiful, huge lion lifted his head and then dropped it just as quickly.

It's blurry, but I love this shot!

We also took the forty minute tram ride where five minutes into it, I had to put the camera away.

I was sitting with the baby myself and it was either lose her or the camera at the rate I was going.

I tucked the camera away.

besides we can be regulars there if we want to be...

remember, we're pass holders now!!

I loved this lion thing.  

Janessa didn't.  

She kept covering her eyes the closer it got to her.

It was all a fun trip until Janessa got stung by a bee--

she was a pretty good sport, but it was apparent that a nap was in order so we headed back to the hotel.

Bubs was messing around with the camera...and now that we are home, I'm glad.

I realize there aren't any pictures of me at all--

except for a couple headless ones he took in the car on our way back.

Evidence that I partook in the mini-vacay.

I like it.

August 10, 2011

Guess where I've been
gasping gulps of gratitude. . .
and enjoying every moment?