Monday, September 19, 2011

There and back again


No, not Middle Earth but Virginia (partly in the 18th Century).  :)

I didn't say anything on the blog about our upcoming vacation because I wasn't sure with my husband's accident if we were able to go.  His doctor thought he'd be fine but we had the check up to be certain he was healing enough to spend four days in a car.

This is our second family vacation (the first when we met in Amish Country in Pennsylvania a few years ago) gifted to us by our wonderful and generous New England Contingent (that being Stephanie and her hubby "aka: The World's Best Son-in-Law").

It all started as an idea about a year and a half ago when Stephanie stayed at a hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia on her way home from one of Sally Clarkson's conferences. Stephanie told me all about the shops she was visiting in Colonial Williamsburg (via cell phone) that evening and decided then and there that we must see it together.

Fast forward about a year as she researched the opportunities online and found it would be very reasonable for us all to have a vacation there during their September Homeschool Week when there are excellent group rates for hotels, tickets, etc.  She also made reservations for the two of us to attend the most amazing cooking class-gourmet dinner combination and to visit a lovely tea room in a nearby town.

It was all so magical (Narnia magic) that I found myself going to sleep last night after a grueling two day drive wondering if it were all a dream?  But I have the pictures to show it was real. 

It is not something they can afford to do often as they know we have NO extra cash at all and they even pay the gas money and our meals on the trip but what an investment in memories.  Especially when we only get to see each other once a year.  It is a good thing when you raise your children to feed and house you.  ;)

I'll tell you all about it and upload the gazillion pictures I took starting tomorrow (Tuesday) but today I'm exhausted.  Other then stopping by the Post Office for our mail and the grocery store so we have food in the house... I'm not doing anything extra today.

I did use this time away to re-post favorite economic posts (your favorites and mine) and I will be re-posting more.  I also hope all settles down here soon so I can work on the Recommendations List and get it typed up and posted.  I had a call from the Insurance Rep while in Virginia and I will talk to her again tomorrow.  My brain is not functioning today.

Oh, in case anyone wonders... Miss Victoria was in quite a snit even though Christopher had stopped by a few times to take good care of her.  We have had to give her a fervent assurance that (barring any emergency) we will not be leaving her alone again soon.

12 comments:

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

I am so delighted you got to take this trip! We go down during the homeschool event also but usually every other year! I could go all the time, but not the whole family - so I indulge them by going other places, too! :)

I can't wait to see your photos...though I did get a sneak peak on FB of Tea Time...

Rest up, so we can enjoy your trip through your photos!

Deanna

Rebecca said...

How wonderful for you, and thoughtful of your daughter & SIL! I look forward to seeing your pictures.

Instagram.com/melissasnotes said...

Oh, I'm so glad you were able to take this vacation. You have been able to look forward to it, and now you can enjoy the memories. We helped "fund" a vacation with our son and his family when they couldn't afford it either, but what a special trip for us to remember, we hope to be able to do it again. When you plan it at a destination both sides of the families really enjoy the time off from household duties and it truly is a vacation. That's nice to know about the homeschool specials, what a lovely place Williamsburg is, we went on our honeymoon, 34 years ago.

Vee said...

Oh it sounds like something you very much needed and enjoyed. I'm so glad for you. A little get-away with family is just the ticket for creating wonderful memories and providing a change of pace.

I'm sure that you are exhausted and that Victoria needs petting so I can be patient for pictures. Take your time and your ease.

Anonymous said...

Oh how happy I am for you. I needed a smile today and your post did it for me!!

Dee from Tennessee

Anonymous said...

So glad you were able to take the trip!! It has now been 18 months since we saw our West Coast family. They are hoping to come soon! Even flying is NOT a fun thing these days!! So we do not go very often.

Looking forward to seeing your photos of the trip!! What a great daughter and sil you have!! We were in Richmond, VA from Fri-Sun...funny you were not so far from there! I sympathize with the long drive...our almost 4 hour drive felt plenty long enough!!
Elizabeth

Ann said...

Oh I'm so glad you got a chance to get away after your difficult summer. What sweethearts your daughter and son-in-law are and a lovely blessing.

Anonymous said...

Brenda, glad to know your okay! I was so worried something was wrong when no Sunday post showed up yesterday. Lol. Glad you enjoyed family time with everyone. Can't wait to see the pics..especially the tea time.
Jeanie in KY

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

I'm amazed that you are back already. It's a lot of driving. I hope you had a truly wonderful time, all of you together! I hope you share some of the special things you did!

Heather L. said...

I'm glad you had a great time! CAn't wait to see the pictures. Will have to keep "homeschool week" in mind in case we ever get to Williamsburg. I'm off on Friday to NYC for the weekend!

Woman of the House said...

Oh, Williamsburg! That's one of my favorite places. I'm so glad you got to go! Looking forward to the pictures!

Cheryl (copperswife) said...

Yay for your wonderful trip! So happy for you!