For the first 10 days of July, we had the opportunity to vacation at the Woods’ home. The Woods (a family from our church) asked us to house sit for them, and we decided it would be our summer vacation. Our vacation home came with a wonderful pool, a grandfather clock, stairs for Becca to climb, games, books, a house-wide sound system, and a Vitamix. And it was only a 45-minute drive from our home.
We agreed that it was the perfect vacation. It was the first time since our honeymoon to get away for an extended period of time (just the 2/3 of us). Usually when we travel we’re visiting family (which we love), but it means we spend less time together than normal. This was one of those vacations where we got to relax, spend extra time together as a family, and we weren’t tired when we got home (and it was very cost efficient!). We’re thankful to the Woods for thinking of us and to the Lord for providing this treat for us.
One of the nice things about our vacation was that Josh was still able to work on his research, so he didn’t have to feel guilty about not getting work done and wasn’t overwhelmed with work to catch up on when we got home. Josh worked on research he enjoyed, swam with us in the afternoons, and spent each evening with me having fun . . . games (Mancala, Cathedral, etc.), movies (Sophie Scholl: The Final Days, Persuasion, and Finding Bobby Fischer), food, and books (The Silver Chair and The Last Battle). Josh also bought us ice pop molds and surprised us with homemade yummy ice pops on Friday.
Becca, too, loved our vacation home. The Woods have grandchildren, so the house was very kid friendly. Becca loved the pool and went swimming twice a day. She always asked to see one of us jump off the diving board. Becca loved climbing the stairs and playing with the toys. She loved hearing the grandfather clock chime every 15 minutes. She even liked using the potty. It was the perfect place for her to spend 10 days.
Even though we were on vacation, we still celebrated Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A (as we did last year). I took a trip to the Good Will and bought white t-shirts for Josh and me and found a child’s skirt for Becca. A trip to Hobby Lobby completed my costume search – paint and ribbon. Josh and I painted our shirts and I turned the skirt into a dress for Becca (our vacation home also come with a sewing machine). We had fun making the costumes and enjoyed our free meals for our effort. I’m also convinced we have the cutest little calf out there!
We also took some videos this week of Becca doing nursery rhymes with me. Here’s “Hey Diddle Diddle.”
I agree – you do have the cutest little calf out there – and her parents aren’t too bad either. Loved seeing how you spent your vacation – through words and pictures. So glad you had the special time together – it is obvious you all had a great time. Becca helping you do nursery rhymes is fun to watch! She’s great!!
What a great way to vacation! All the perks without the cost! Glad you all got to do that. Becca is a darling little cow, and she knows the nursery rhyme to go with it!
What a great vacation! Beautiful house, beautiful pool and a beautiful family!! So glad you had this great opportunity. I agree too, that you have the cutest little girl calf out there. I’ll have to get Becky and Dave to take their little boy calves next year. Have a great week!
NICE! And you’re absolutely right about your darling little calf. 🙂
So happy to see you guys got a little getaway. I know how you feel with the vacations with family. Jon and I try to go somewhere just the two of us every other year or so. Loved all of the pictures!