We were away for almost 3 full weeks. We got back on Tuesday after a 20 hour drive from Thunder Bay (stayed the night in Sault Ste. Marie) with two children under three. For the record, my children are incredible travellers and we are very lucky. We all survived the trip and my husband and I are still talking to each other, so that means something right? 😉
The trip had started on July 23 when we left Ottawa for a week stay in Windsor where my husband’s family is. Then we went through Michigan to get to the Soo. Then Thunder Bay for 10 days to be with my family. Then Back home. It’s as crazy as it sounds, but we had a blast visiting.
Google Maps tells us we put over 3500 km on the van on the trip alone. Holy cow.
But now, we are getting settled back at home which is not easy for any of us. We are happy to be home, don’t get me wrong, but it’s just all new again.
My husband and I have work to do around the house. Fixing the garden back up, house work, loads of laundry, groceries etc. And I won’t lie, for 3 weeks we had my mother in law and my parents all but waiting on us with home cooked meals, fresh brewed coffee in the morning, and dessert every night. (What? I was on vacation. Vacation dessert is zero calories. Right?)
Meanwhile, the kids have no routine, no schedule, and I prefer them having one (although flexibility is the name of the game when enjoying holidays). Baby girl hasn’t been sleeping great for a couple months, but we need to get her bed time routine at least started again. The Boy is just wired. He’s excited and has had so much fun but the late nights, weird nap schedules and constant day trips eventually will take a toll.
We have my husband’s family in town visiting for a few days which is great, but our schedules aren’t quite back on track. They’ll get there.
The truth is, these past few weeks have been an unforgettable experience for the kids and us. Connecting with family and their grandparents, visiting and touring cities that we wouldn’t normally get to. There were fun beach trips, parks, drives, lots of ice cream – all the things that make memories for the kids.
Ask my son about his trip and you will get a mouthful of a story. That’s when we know the piles of laundry and late nights are worth it.
Do you have any special summer memories from this summer? Let’s face it, it’s hard to say the weather was wonderful! What will your kids remember this summer?
