Vacations

A friend and I often lament that a vacation with children is more of just a trip than a vacation.  The preparation leading up to departure, the drive to your destination, etc. at times requires a spa day just to recuperate!  Then, a few days "vacationing" only to return home and begin the clean up and laundry. Piles and piles of laundry.  

With eight kiddos, Shannon and decided we were traveling light.  Unless we rent a tour bus we need to anyway, due to lack of available space in the vehicle.  This adjustment to our plans made preparation rather simple.  We packed a cooler of food, toothbrush and underwear for each child into a zip-lock bag, and were ready to hit the road, zip-locks in tow.  

In all reality, we did pack a bit more and we allowed everyone a backpack.  But only a backpack and stashing extras anywhere in the vehicle was prohibited.  We spent the night at a motel on the Columbia and had a fairly leisurely drive the following day out the coast.  Upon our arrival, we all felt relaxed having avoided repacking and organizing the vehicle at every stop.  To boot, no one argued (this had to be an act of God) the entire way.  Maybe it was partly because their legs weren't folded in half due to total lack of space. 

Anyway, here I sit.  Relaxed. Not just on a trip, but enjoying a vacation.  The kiddos are all clamming with Shannon and I have my cup of coffee soaking up the blissful silence.  I should probably hit up Pinterest for some clam recipes, but that is too much effort at the moment.  I shall read my book and sip coffee and simply be on vacation. 

Crabs AND clams for dinner tonight!

Nothing like beginning young on Tillamook ice cream ~

Grandma's Cake Batter is our favorite at the moment!