photo by Allison V. Smith via Small MagazineAfter looking at Allison V. Smith's family photos from Maine in the latest Small Magazine, I'm dreaming of a family getaway... something mellow and totally unplugged and (this is the biggie) involving just the four of us.
I love to travel with other families, I do. It’s nice to be a part of village-style parenting in terms of taking care of the kiddos. It's nice to have other adults to share conversation (and a glass of wine) with at the end of the day. It's nice for the girlies to have other kiddos to play with. It's just a nice deal all around. But I’m seriously craving some core family time. It's just something we don't do enough of lately (and we're desperately in need of).
When we sort of retreat into our little family cocoon for a few days, I always emerge feeling refreshed and somehow more...sane. All the obligations and worries that seem so essential and important tend to melt away as we re-group as a family. Plus (and this is a major bonus) the girlies are easier and more chilled-out (likely because they haven't been competing with a multitude of distractions for our full attention).
For all this to happen though we have to actually get away (it can't just be family time during a "staycation"), and it has to be easy, otherwise the stress of the all the logistics and planning eclipse our "relaxation potential"... We were brainstorming a bit last weekend about how to make this happen, and I came across photos from our family trip to Marfa a couple of years ago. It was seriously magical and easy, so now we've got our sights set on on going back for a few days in late August...one last hurrah before the new school year starts.
I'm thinking that exploring the sleepy town, visiting Chinati, gorging on pizza at The Pizza Foundation, swimming in the springs at Balmorhea State Park and stargazing at McDonald Observatory is a perfect way to reignite our family mojo a bit...
Do you guys have a favorite family re-charge tactic?
9 comments:
I need a little getaway too. It's been months since the last one. Your plans sound dreamy.
Actually, ours is Maine. We discovered a great and reasonable place to stay - apartments, since we need a couple bedrooms with the kids. It's in a picturesque little town on the coast. Gorgeous beaches, which is the main draw, but tons to do if the weather isn't great either. Zoo, indoor pool, minor league baseball, restaurants, shopping... Maybe one day the boys will be old enough that I can stop into an antique shop or two without fear of breaking things. Anyway, it's wonderful. Very low-key, an easy drive away, good availability so we can usually book it without a lot of notice. We come home feeling refreshed. All great stuff. Maine is heaven.
If we have more than 5 days we love to go to Kauai. Most people think of the island as too "slow" but we adore it there. We've been to all of the other islands but they are too commercial for us. Until recently we couldn't even get cell phone reception on the island, we had to stay unplugged and came home so refreshed and relaxed. We're taking the kids to DC soon but meeting up with friends and family, so not as much of a relaxing vacation. Since we are in California, we'll take a "mini-vacation" to Carmel and the Monterey Coast for a few days, can't wait.
Funny, I was looking at the Cosmico in Marfa and admiring their yurt and teepee accomodations last night. I haven't been to Marfa yet but I am considering a trek in early fall with the family. Thank you for the added inspiration!
Love getting away just the 4 of us. We just got home from England and France and had an amazing time - not exactly mellow - but still feeling recharged! The best is the 4 of us in the woods at our cottage in British Columbia which we do twice a yr. No internet / tv / cel reception. Love.
We got away just the four of us this summer and it was magic. We had such a great time...best part of the trip was time spent on a ranch: no cell phone or computer. We even had the lodge all to ourselves and spent hours playing games and sitting on the porch.
I agree entirely.
Core family time is definitely our recharge tactic. We're headed to our spot- camping on the Sonoma coast- in a few days for a week & a 1/2 of just the 4 of us. Can't wait.
It sounds perfect. we are planning a trip too. Just trying to decide where. I did tell the Mr about Marfa. He said it didnt exist. I said but Joslyns been there. He thinks I am a nut.
i love your photos! we are going to marfa in november, i will be emailing you for suggestions! xo
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