I find as I get older, my definitions of many things change significantly. For example, “privacy” used to mean that I alone saw, experienced, or read something. Now privacy is limited to the bathroom and even that is only private about 50% of the time. Vacation is another word that has transformed over the years. When I thought “vacation” in my earlier life, images of beach sunsets, early morning walks searching for shells, fun-filled days at Disney, or quietly reading books on a porch swing came to mind. In recent years, vacation meant days of packing, meal planning, debates about which activities to spend money on, and the need of a “vacation from my vacation” once all was said and done. This year, quite unexpectedly, that changed.

Since we thought Marina’s jaw surgery would be in June, we made virtually no summer plans this year. When they couldn’t schedule her until early August, we scrambled for a last minute, almost impulsive vacation. Thanks to a first-hand recommendation from a trusted friend, we took a risk and booked an all-inclusive trip to a family camp we had looked at every year for the past five years but never had the nerve to try. Wow, have we been missing out! Sandy Cove’s Homeschool Week had something for every single one of us. And it was a tired mom’s dream vacation—no meals to prepare, no dishes to clean, no decisions to make, built-in quality childcare, deep spiritual teaching, great worship, one-on-one couple time, beautiful scenery. To put this in perspective, I went the entire week without yelling at anyone, without arguing with my husband, and without taking a single Motrin—not one. No joke!

Without further ado, here are the highlights of our amazing week at Sandy Cove:

Incredible view of the Chesapeake Bay…

 

Putt-Putt…

 

 

Okay, sometimes we missed the hole…

Kneeboarding was the first of many awesome water rides (tubing, wavecutter, pontoon boat ride)…

Great worship, Lydia-style…

 

The big swing made even the oldest and bravest among us squeal (other thrills were had on the zip line)…

12 and under girls and boys swim race champions (prize: free sundaes at the ice cream shop!)…

 

Lydia cares for her baby brother…

 

Bekah and Saylor win more ice cream in the coloring contest…

 

Final day program…

 

Tired from a week of fun with the nursery workers (walks, crafts, play and rest time)…

She was right at home…

 

Sad to leave this awesome place…

 

But we will be back next year!!!!!

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:28)