Family Vacation

I know many families that take big vacations several times a year.  Their kids are very well travelled.  Much more so than myself, that's for certain!  Being a family of 5 on one income, large vacations are rare.  We have done our best in the past to do small car trip vacations to have new experiences and spend time together, but big trips haven't been in the budget.  Well, this year was different. 

Conversations about this vacation started this past Christmas.  I had mentioned to my sister-in-law that I thought this might be a good year to take the boys to Disneyland.  Before I knew it we were planning a trip for both our families to travel together.  Five boys, four adults, one week, two theme parks, one museum, and a beach!  My hubby thought we were nuts, and maybe we were, but we had an amazing vacation!

There were many firsts for the boys.  First plane trip for Thing 3.  First rollercoaster for Thing 2.  First time at Disneyland for Thing 2 and 3.  Many first foods tried from calamari to a mint julep.  Virgin of course.  First time seeing the open ocean.  Many firsts indeed.

My head is still full of all the experiences and memories created on this vacation.  Watching the boys faces as they walked into Disneyland for the first time.  Their excited stories as they would come off a ride.  Watching them have wonderful moments with their cousins.  Chasing the waves on the beach and squealing as they got wet.  Trying to dig a hole to China.  Being inspired by the Lego creations at Legoland.  Getting a special behind-the-scenes tour to see how Legos are made.  Watching Thing 3 light up seeing a giant Tigger or riding It's A Small World. Yes, we tourtured the entire family with that ride.  It truly was a vacation I don't think any of us will forget.