Traveling and Getting Some Rest
Two weeks ago we were so blessed to have the opportunity to spend a few days in Anaheim, California (actually, we were technically in Garden Grove but who has ever heard of that place? We were pretty much a block from Anaheim and a few blocks from Orange County, roll with me here, blame my ignorance on the fact that I live in a province almost void of people, case in point: California has a higher population than all of Canada, have you seen how much land we have up here for so few people?).
I admit, we were on the fence on whether or not it was actually going to happen. A person feels kind of guilty going on a trip when you are trying to save thousands of dollars for an adoption but we decided to go anyway. Lucky for us Jared was going for a conference so his flight, food and the hotel were completely paid for, making it a much cheaper trip for us than it would normally be.
Since we took the cheapest flights possible our travel time ended up being about 14 hours (we stopped in Minneapolis, then Portland then on to LAX). And then the same in reverse for the way home. Thankfully Raeca is such a good traveler (even when she threw up on one of the flights home, which ended up all over her and me).
Jared had his conference each day and was busy pretty much from 8-5 so Raeca and I spent our mornings walking around the neighborhood and catching buses to do some shopping. Actually, it’s more like I walked and either I carried Raeca or pushed her in the stroller (no need for workouts on this trip). All the time outdoors wiped the kid right out and she had a nap each afternoon so I hung out quietly in the hotel (recovering from my earlier workout). One morning Raeca and I even got to met up with Amanda.
In the evening we got to go out as a family. One night we met Kevin & Katie for supper (I’m going to do a separate post on my blogger meet ups), one evening we went to Disneyland, and the other two were spent doing a little shopping.
It was low key but it turns out the trip was exactly the break that we needed. The weather was beautiful and rejuvenating. By the time we came home we felt so rested (mentally, that is).
Here are a few photos from our time:
Where is a restful destination for you?
looks like SUCH a fun trip!!!! so awesome you got to meet two bloggers!!! and so glad that it was the break you needed!! 🙂
Thanks Robyn, it was great!
Love that you decided to go. Isn’t it amazing how He works in everything!! Looking forward to your posts on meeting up with the bloggers. I love doing that.
Yes, it worked out so well! Definitely glad we went!
oh. my. goodness!!
looks like y’all had an amazing time (minus the puking!)
and is that disneyland i see!?! 😉
Yes, we hit up Disneyland one evening!
Oh my gosh, I love this! I am so glad you guys had a relaxing vacation! It’s important!
We went to Santa Barbara for our honeymoon, and LOVED it!
http://www.lovelydoesit.com
Oh cool! I’d really love to explore more of California one day, so many cool spots!
Oh how I loved this post. 🙂 Good stuff. Welcome (ish) to Cali! It’s got some beautiful spots indeed! You sure captured them!
Thanks Christina!
Love love love love!!! Wish you were out here longer!! xoxo Katie
Next time! 🙂
Love these pics and hate flying:-) We’re headed to Cancun with our tribe in July – have any tips for flying with four kids who’ve never flown before?!? 🙂
Oh that could be interesting! I’ve been thinking about writing a post about flying with kids . . . when we flew to Uganda a few years ago I bought Raeca a few different toys (from the dollar bin) and individually wrapped each item (and wrapped some snacks too), it made things more exciting for her and took longer too. 🙂 One of her current favorites are just stickers and a notepad to stick them into.
I so understand the quilt of taking any time for R&R during fundraising. I’m glad you did! Others may not know this, but it is during those emotionally/mentally exhausting months/years of fundraising and waiting that you really need the R&R. Love the pics!
Thanks Marie, if anyone were to understand it would definitely be you!
Haha! Just reread my post…should be guilt…not quilt! lol!
conference turned vacation – sounds good to me, especially with all of that stuff paid for. SCORE!
Exactly! 🙂
These are gorgeous photos. I love the b&w processing.
Thanks Amanda!
Your photos from CA are beautiful! Glad you and your family were able to travel a bit and get some sunshine 🙂
Thanks Caitlin, it was a wonderful getaway!
Sounds like it was just a fabulous time!!! 🙂
It really was!
oooooh! Disney!!!!
🙂
what beautiful photos you’ve taken! and what a cutie too! so nice to have a restful time. at this point in time a restful place for me is home 🙂 working full time and busy weekends – love being home and able to rest in my own little zone.
Oh I totally understand that! I love to travel but the introvert in me like to be at home. 🙂
Lovely photos! Glad you had a great trip! It sounds like you had a lovely time 🙂
Yes, it really was!
beautiful pictures you have there! you must have had an awesome time!
Thanks, it really was a great time!