by Lois Breneman, © 2007, Heart to Heart Newsletter
Our family vacation is already over for this year and it's not even summer yet! Last Christmas our daughter, Joy, gave us the wonderful news that they were expecting another baby! Then she mentioned how they wouldn't be able to go to the beach with the family this year, as we always do. She would be in her third trimester by then, and traveling that far was not permitted. She said we should just go without them this time. She tried not to sound disappointed about their family not joining us, though of course, she was absolutely thrilled about a new baby!
At the time of their announcement, we were visiting with our older son and new daughter-in-law. It only took a few minutes for her dad to check a map, remembering there was a nice lake an hour away from their home. Her dad called back and asked how they'd feel about the family vacationing close to their home, so Joy could still be near her doctor and the hospital. She was so touched that we would think of giving up the beach trip to include their family, but as far as we're all concerned, a family vacation just isn't the same without all of the family.
As it all turned out, our daughter and son-in-law invited our whole family, totaling 9 3/4, to spend the entire week in their home, which is what we did! Comfortable queen size air mattresses filled in for some of the beds and that worked out fine.
Joy was our social coordinator ahead of time and found the best discounts on tickets for day trips to the zoo, the magnificent aquarium, and another fun-filled family day. We also went swimming, walking, enjoyed a stenciling demonstration by Joy as she made two large canvas pictures for the baby's room, ate at the Cheesecake Factory, made homemade ice cream on the sundeck twice, and celebrated four May and June family birthdays within thirteen days.
Most meals were planned ahead of time, making them as healthy as possible. I took a lot of the food, and we all pitched in, so Joy wouldn't have to do too much. Some of the food was prepared and frozen beforehand so we'd have more time together. We grilled a couple meals on the sundeck, including shish-ka-bobs, that were marinated in our home, frozen and transported.
Joy was our social coordinator ahead of time and found the best discounts on tickets for day trips to the zoo, the magnificent aquarium, and another fun-filled family day. We also went swimming, walking, enjoyed a stenciling demonstration by Joy as she made two large canvas pictures for the baby's room, ate at the Cheesecake Factory, made homemade ice cream on the sundeck twice, and celebrated four May and June family birthdays within thirteen days.
Most meals were planned ahead of time, making them as healthy as possible. I took a lot of the food, and we all pitched in, so Joy wouldn't have to do too much. Some of the food was prepared and frozen beforehand so we'd have more time together. We grilled a couple meals on the sundeck, including shish-ka-bobs, that were marinated in our home, frozen and transported.
During vacation four year old Justin's Aunt Rachael found a new and interesting way to help him try some new foods, since he's a rather finicky eater. She encouraged him to eat a new food by telling him she would take his picture eating it, then she would allow him to take a picture of someone with her digital camera! It worked! He tried several new foods at one meal, then said, "I think I'll try another tomato!" He was flashing pictures left and right and his aim was quite good! Last week Rachael sent Justin a package of her special homemade granola, and asked his mommy to take a picture of him eating it, then e-mail it to her.
It was a great time of vacation, even if it was Plan B, and it worked out just great! And now we await the birth of another precious grandchild this summer!
It was a great time of vacation, even if it was Plan B, and it worked out just great! And now we await the birth of another precious grandchild this summer!
No comments:
Post a Comment