I have just returned from a weeks vacation. A week in cottage country, deep, deep in the woods. Seven days that I spent unplugged in almost every way. Almost no television, internet, or cellphone. This also meant my two dear daughters had to do the unplugged thing. Hubby could only be with us for half the time, so us three girls spent a good deal of time all alone. (My sister and her Toddler got sucked in for the last half of this vacation ride)
This either meant we were going to have the best time ever, or we were going to end up as some kind of unsolved murder mystery case on 60 minutes. So how did we do?
Quite simply, we had the best time ever.
Turns out, nothing beats a week in cottage country. We laughed, played and re-connected in a way every family should have a chance to do. I. Am. Blessed.
As I drove the five hours home today, I was almost weepy. Hiding my ridiculous little tears of joy behind my oversized sunglasses. Almost afraid to admit that I don’t remember the last time I felt this at peace, this joyful. Feeling such peace and knowing I am doing right by my kids, knowing I am in the right place, and on the right path. Thankful beyond words for what has been the best summer ever and desperately wondering how I can hang on to this feeling.
For now I will just send up a little prayer of thanks, and try with all my might to hang on tight to this incredible vacation high. I know within two weeks we will be back to “Hurry up, clean up, do your homework and go to bed.” But for now I will bask in the glow of being the cool Mom who jumped off the dock, fished, borrowed her kids sunglasses, shared books, painted her toe nails neon orange, let them have more s’mores than they should, played every bored game twice without interruptions, and danced in the kitchen until we fell to the floor. Summertime Mom is cool and fun, messy and carefree, and so incredibly happy. 
So yes, today I’m feeling all kinds of grateful and stuff. XOXO
Beautiful post. It’s nice when opportunities to get away from the stresses of the mundane pop up — nothing like a good break from it all to realize the things that matter. Hold on to that vacation feeling!
Thanks for sharing this! Your kids are so lucky to have their summertime fun mom! The photos are beautiful!
You make me want to run away on vacation!! So happy to hear you had a lovely spot. Mind if I ask where you were?
Hi Danielle, we rented a beautiful cottage in Haliburton. The area was perfect. We rent in the area all the time. Please feel free to DM me if you want more details and I will send you a link to my all time favourite rental and even tell you some pitfalls to look out for when renting from owners!
I am glad you had a great time, we all need to go unplugged from time to time
I say it looks like just what the doctor ordered.
It sounds so perfect and I am so happy that you had such a wonderful time!
Aww… now I’m weepy, too! We just got back yesterday from our last summer vacation of this summer… and although I’m sort of looking forward to my boys going back to school, I am also sad! Summer is way too short and fleeting, you know? Sigh… glad you had such a wonderful summer. xoxo
Unplugging can be so recharging sometimes. I don’t think I’ve ever fully unplugged like that, although when we go up to New Hampshire, there is minimal cell phone service and in some areas there isn’t any at all, so that’s about as close as I get.
Sounds like a wonderful time!
Oh, looks like a wonderful time and everyone needs to disconnect now and again!
Family vacations can be such a blessing and are even more enjoyable when you are unplugged from the electronic world.
Simply magical! ♥ I am so happy to hear (and to see via your photos on IG) that the vacation was amazing!
Oh thanks, it really was magical!! I also have to add that I ADORED every single time you liked one of my pics on InstaGram! Thank you!!
Seeing someone happy, relaxed and just feeling Blessed makes me happy. I’m glad that you and your family had so much fun. Neon nails, dancing in the kitchen, borrowing sunglasses, reading books and playing games – what a fun vacation, no to mention the amazing cottage.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thanks for reading along!! Now I just have to find a way to stop cleaning the kitchen and hang on to that vacation feeling
Looks like such a lovely vacation. It’s nice to push the “reset” button in our lives every once in a while isn’t it?
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
What a perfect way to describe it! I really did push the re-set button, and am now re-charged and ready to tackle another school year. Or at least get through September!
smiles…glad you had a good vacation…sounds like you are in a good place…..
Thank you! Yes, feeling like I am in a very good place and trying to hang on to this vacation high as long as possible!