Now, anyone that knows me well knows I do not do spontaneous well and I don't do trips well. If it is just Mark and me headed down to Fairhope (one of our favorite places) for the weekend, then I am good to go. I am carefree and almost giddy! We stay at the Bay Breeze Bed and Breakfast and it is wonderful! I am not a big beach person, but I could live in Fairhope.
But, when you add the kiddos to the mix, I am a basket-case. I don't know why. I can't explain it. I think too much and plan too much and try to get everything just right so that everyone will have a great vacation (but me). Mark and I usually spend the first day of our vacation mad at each other about something or another and then have a big fight the second day. After we have the big fight and I get all the "vacation tension" out I start to have a good time. And then it is time to go home. Or, one time we went with Mark's family to the beach when I was 6 months pregnant with James. Mark and I both got strep throat-Mark so bad he had to go to the hospital. Joy. So, so far we have not had good vacation experiences involving kids. The kids have the time of their life, Mark and I have about one good day together, and then we come home.
The Hixons, of famous best-friend Rebekah fame, have invited us to go with them to the beach next week. Bless their hearts. They were able to get a condo for free for a couple of days so even though we are saving for baby girl this will be a great way to have a little family/friend get-away. Since we are the guests on this trip I am going to try to be on my best behaviour and not get stressed out and fight with Hubby. But, as we have known the Hixons for 15 years they pretty much have seen the good, bad, and the ugly.
So, we'll see. Will MamaHen be able to maintain her composure and not get the "Pre-Vacation Stress-Outs?" Will MamaHen hold it together on the beach where there is sand, sun, and salt water? Will MamaHen forget something vitally important while packing that will ruin everyone's vacation? Will MamaHen get terribly sunburned and curse the beach forever?
Later on, I'll tell you why the beach had better be prepared for any weather event? And I mean any weather event?
Rebekah, shall I bring the brownies?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
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Oh no. Gulf Coast residents, hide the women and children, the Clarks are coming...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm jealous! Ya'll have an beautiful time!
ReplyDeleteUmmmm, does this mean that my playdate with the Hixons is cancelled?
ReplyDeleteOk girl...I'm almost 50. It's just something that 30 somethings (I'm guessing you are 30...I'm so sorry if you are younger!!) have....you have all of this anxiety about going places. I know...I used to be the SAME WAY! Now, I figure, if I forgot it, I can buy it at the local Wal-Mart. Trust me, you'll (and your family) will be so much better off if you adopt the 'whatever' attitude. I know you can do it. This is a skill that needs to be practiced.....I'm counting on you!
ReplyDeleteGirl, just relax... I will tell you from experience that there are far less fights when you're on vacation with friends because you can get away from you spouse for a while and hang out with your BFF. It's a win-win. By the way, I bought some beach towels for the kids a few weeks back. I'll bring them to the office Thursday.
ReplyDeleteJayme, you are the best. I am 36 with four kids and you would think I would have it figured out by now. Not me though. It seems like every vacation/trip is a hassle. But, I am determined to be "go with the flow Clark" on this trip! :)
ReplyDeleteI am the SAME WAY! It makes my poor hubby so sad because I can usually hold it together on the first few days, but by the last days, I am in complete meltdown mode. Our trips almost always end with me yelling at someone and then feeling horrible about it immediately following. I hope you have a FANTASTIC trip. Maybe dunk your head under that salt water and scream out loud if need be...
ReplyDeleteWow - I'm stressed over your stress about whether you'll stress or not!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously though - I hope y'all have a wonderful time! Vacation with friends is the best!!!
Oh - I so want to go to the beach...and, actually, we have a trip scheduled in about three weeks! Of course, there are not kiddos involved:) Hope you all have a great time!!
ReplyDeleteI can relate. I'm a nervous wreck when we go on vacation. Usually I'm the one who does ALL the packing and preparation for the vacation that by the time we get where we're going, I'm exhausted. Then sitting on the beach is stressful, watching, making sure the kids come up from the waves they're playing in. I usually need a vacation from the vacation we were just on. Hope you have a great time!
ReplyDeleteWell, planning activities is done, because the kids will play together on the beach. Get an umbrella and you, rebekah, and the new baby hide out under there. Take a bull horn to yell at the kids - you won't even have to get up!
ReplyDeleteYes, bring the brownies! (But maybe you better leave the chocolate frosting at home or else I won't be fit for the church service!)
ReplyDeleteI'm only a little jealous! Okay, maybe a lot! Ya'll have a blast! I'll be praying for a smooth and fabulous trip!
ReplyDelete