It meant a lot to me, this week's vacation in Provincetown with my family, and I hoped it would feel like a real vacation for each of us. I hoped it would go well.
Turned out to be one of best times ever. JB, my daughter Jess, sil Mike, their four kids ages 1 through 7, and a fantastic mother-in-law named Pat--nine of us in all--fit perfectly into our little house by the sea and together and apart we each had enough of everything good.
It's a beautiful place--Provincetown. We are located one block from the beach and we walked that block so easily every day. Some days we went to the little beach, some to the wacky Provincetown Inn pool, other times visiting Auntie Heather's family in her nearby motel pool.
The kids looked for hermit crabs and shells and sea glass and in the company of at least one adult, waded and swam over their heads.
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| ryan and drew |
We had the most perfect weather.
There was posing in front of murals depicting ptown's early years.
And mid mornings swims and again after afternoon naps.
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| reese turns one |
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| logan |
We filled the kiddie shark pool on our deck.
And sprawled out in the sand.
Floated on crocodiles.
I cannot describe my deep joy knowing my daughter is happy and loved and so blessed with a wonderful husband and these great precious children.
We collected shells
And drew pictures
We caught some minnows and caught some light
We giggled over lobster rolls and fried clams and fries and chicken tenders
and….hahahaha…I'll let this photo speak for itself.
I'm exhausted.
And jubilant.
It might have been my best vacation ever. It was all I hoped for.
Thank you, universe. Thank you so much.
love
kj
Oh my....... that last one is hilarious! The others are beautiful. How did you manage to sleep with 9 persons in that small house? Or is it not that small :-)
ReplyDeletewieneke, the house is 1400 sq feet but it has a front porch and a back deck. there are 3 little bedrooms and one more even smaller. baby reese slept in the supply closet and little logan slept with his grandmother. we were never cramped. plus the kids were well behaved and picked up after themselves. :^)
DeleteJubilant is such a great feeling! Thanks for allowing me to feel some of it too by sharing your words and pictures.
ReplyDelete(although I look at that last one and wonder "who is taking care of the kids?" : )
haha 8, the littles were napping too. and we had two fabulous 13 yo boys (twins) who kept ryan and drew busy and quiet for about 20 minutes :^)
Deletelove
kj
I smiled at the picture of the whole family stretched out, exhausted... These are the times we live for, the reunions, the meals, the conviviality...
ReplyDeleteThen, we look back and realize how much work it all is, especially if you're the chief cook and bottle washer. Yet, we would do it all again, in a heartbeat!
hi rosaria, you are so right in every way! i was lucky that we were a combined three grandmothers with two great parents of four great kids and two other great parents of two other great kids :^)
Deletelove
kj
Kj, Catching up here, love all the photos, sounds like heaven to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd your post before this asks the question what can we do about the problems in the world: It has been said many times that it all starts with each of us in our own life, be peaceful, be kind and send it out into the world. I have learned that there is no way to control what others will do only what I do.
xoxo
Annie, I just lost my comment grrrr. Basically I agree but I also think we must rail against tyrants and injustice in the larger world. I'm glad I' a good person and lucky I have good people surrounding me, including you
DeleteLove
kj
perfect!
ReplyDeleteMim, xoxoxo
DeleteGlad you had such a great time as family! Relaxing, and fun, and activity.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Rob, I imagine you understand the joy when a family can rejoice together ...
DeleteLove
kj
This does look like a perfect vacation!
ReplyDeleteLoving family, beautiful ocean and beaches, good times!
It was fun seeing as well, and thank you! :)
Brenda
Thank you very much, Brenda . Good times don't grow on trees
DeleteLove
kj
So that's what a vacation looks like? Cool I'll have try one on one day. All i did was have a 2nd grand kid, on my birthday no less, and then drove his father to the airport for to go to China for 4 months of work.
ReplyDeleteHi mark xo--the same birthdays! What are the chances of that ? (Don't say it--365 to 1? ) :-)
DeleteSometimes my vacations are stressful and sometimes family gatherings even more so. I lucked out this summer and you better believe I wish one of these for you too
I love you, my friend
kj
I would say this is perfection, and I also say it was well deserved by all♥
ReplyDeleteI love the photo pf Jess, Mike and the kids. Precious!
Oh yippee it's lo!!!! I miss your creative blog this much------------------------------------------------.
DeleteLove
kj
awesome! love all the pics... cant believe that is Reese! Wow, how they grow!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it either, Zoe. She's taking steps and making sounds :-)
ReplyDeleteFour grands. Unbelievable.
Hope you are well. I will read that first chapter of yours yet!
Love
kj
exhausted and jubilant are the best combo. and being with family in a beautiful place ditto.
ReplyDeleteso happy for you kj ♡
thanks a lot, amanda. i wish the exhausted part was a little less, but i'm glad my energy holds out until i have the chance to collapse :^)
Deletethinking about your book. are you thrilled? i'll bet you are!
love
kj
How wonderful to spend time with your family in such a great spot!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you. xx
hi kay! thank you very much xoxo
DeleteWonderful! Glad you had such a fantastic time!
ReplyDeleteit was super duper :^)
DeleteIt looks like a wonderful time was had by all.
ReplyDeletethanks, deb. i hope you've had a good summer too.
Deletexo