Out of Town

What is a vacation and when do you need one? We took a cool camping vacation last summer. A family from our old church let us borrow their pop up. I had a melt down one day on the trip. I think that I had absorbed enough sun. Other than that, I have great memories of that trip. We went to the beach and had a great time. We found out that we really liked camping, but maybe not at the beach.

Steve has taken vacation days, and we are embarking on another journey tomorrow. We are going to visit our relatives and friends in our hometown. My question is "why does this really not feel like a vacation? What is it about visiting family that sometimes makes it exciting, but exhausting? I really enjoy my parents and love visiting with Steve's parents. I am hoping to talk with some dear friends too. Maybe, I need to realize that the exhaustion comes from the whole trip not just all the interactions. The driving with three kids in the car for 15-17 hours. The whole day packing before the trip and the struggle to not forget anything. I think that Steve and I also don't feel like we fit there anymore. All that to say, it can be overwhelming to go back to your hometown.

As Steve finishes up his Greek final today, I can see how much he needs a vacation. He has a weary look. I am hoping that all my past trips of going to visit the relatives and friends will not be true for his sake. So really, I wonder when is a vacation a vacation? Of course, we are all excited to see Tim's toys!