So, it's summertime and that means--vacation! Well, at least for those of you who aren't in year-round school. When I was growing up, we spent our vacation times traveling to visit family. In fact, I only remember one trip "just for fun" and that was in the middle of a family visit. (Of course, maybe I'm forgetting something. My mom says I have selective memory). We went to Six Flags over Georgia while we were in Georgia visiting my Granny. I remember getting a brand new pair of "denim" Keds sneakers. They sat at the top of my closet in a box awaiting vacation time. I also have a couple of other memories of that trip: the goats at the petting zoo tried to eat my shirt, we stayed in a hotel with carpet on the walls and sometime during the day, I wet my pants.
We've been fortunate enough to take several vacations in the past 21 years of our marriage. Some with kids, some without.
Here are my top five:
5. Amish Country--Pennsylvania. My first summer off as a teacher, my mom and I got in the car and drove to the most beautiful farm country in the world. We stayed in Lancaster Pennsylvania and had a great time exploring and eating throughout Amish country. It was great. (Greg had to work so he stayed at home.)
4. Sunset Beach, North Carolina. Many of the years since moving to North Carolina, we have spent a week at the beach with our good friends, the Larsons. We soak up the sun, READ alot, play in the water a little and eat the most wonderful food. It's a family tradition our children have loved. Since our friends moved away, there's a very evident hole in our calendars and our hearts.
3. Sunninghill, England. Okay, what's not to love about England? Castles, Cottages, Red Phone Booths, Pubs, Quaint Villages, and Cream Tea!!!!! (I could live on cream tea!) Everything in England is older than our entire country! It just blows my mind. I loved shopping in the antique stores--now those are real antiques.
2. The Colorado Rockies. We've been twice as a family. Once during the winter for a ski trip to Keystone Mountain. AWESOME! Once during the summer for hiking and
geocaching in Leadville, Colorado. (LOVED that one too!) Both times we were with my brother and his family. They're just a blast to be with so that's just icing on the cake.
1. Disney World. We've been twice, once when our kids were young. . . once when they were teenagers. I loved both times and I'd go again tomorrow. I guess that's why I'm in Children's Ministry--there is no place I'd rather be.
So, what about you? What are your top five? Maybe you'll give us some ideas for the future.