It was the best of times, it was the worst of times… Why yes. Yes I did just start this with a horrendously overused Dickens quote. But the title–it matched.
We’re talking vacation. Best in that time off, perfectly packed suitcases, planned adventures, and all these little dreams of sun and water and skipping across beaches without a care in the world is what we live for, right? Worst in that vacationing with kids might actually be harder than living with kids. Or as Brett so eloquently put it on the beach the other day as Dash flung sand across a 6-yard radius, Nella collapsed crying and we calculated how much time we had to scout out a family-friendly lunch spot before the kids’ low blood sugar demons emerged from their holes: “What about this trip is supposed to be relaxing?”
And I, the rainbow unicorn of the family, pointed out six things about the situation that are awesome because that’s what I’m annoyingly programmed to do: “But they’re making such great memories (1)! And it’s good for us to get away together (2). And the kids will sleep so great tonight (3)! Plus we’re teaching our kids to explore and enjoy their world (4). And Nella–you know these experiences are so good for her (5). And look at this sky, it’s gorgeous, this is so much fun–just ride the wave, Brett (6)! At which point, I’m certain he imagined a great white flinging himself on shore and dragging me out to sea.
The thing is, we are two completely different vacationers. Brett ‘s like—wait, what’s super chill and relaxed? Bob Marley? Half-conscious Bob Marley? Bob Marley passed out in bed with ear plugs? Yes that. Wait, Heidi’s in my kitchen and pointed out that I can’t say Bob Marley because people are going to think Brett’s “smoking reefers.”
“Maybe make a point to say that’s not why Brett’s so chill,” she suggests. “How about Brett’s Bob Marley minus the reefer?” But then Bob Marley’s not so relaxed then, is he? Let’s go with Enya. Brett is Enya. This is terrible, my analogy game is going to the dogs. Let’s just keep it simple: Brett is chill.
Me? I’m a bit more of an “AT DAWN, WE RISE!” kind of vacationer. I treat the places we visit like the people I meet: I want to know you. Not surface here’s-the-postcard-version-of-me, but your real story. What’s your history? Show me your colors, your secret coffee shops, the things you’re most proud of, the corners you keep hidden. You don’t get to know a city watching movies in a rented house. No! You get to know a city by packing up the car at dawn and driving to all the destinations—with the windows down and the wind in your hair.
I’m aware I made my vacation mode sound superior, so now I’ll give Brett’s some love to be fair: Imagine getting away from busy day-to-day life in search of peace only to be met with a busy day-to-day vacation. Plus everybody loves Bob Marley, so he totally has that.
This is the Dichotomy of Us, on vacation, in life. Early Riser marries Night Owl. Set Sail meets Anchor at the Dock. It is the death of us, it is the LIFE of us. When the chain of my Yin bike has broken because I pedaled too damn hard and fast, his Yang bike pulls up and I hop on. In case you were wondering, and since I’m a visual person–his Yang bike looks like this. Go ahead, click on it. Didn’t know biking could be so relaxing, did you? Brett would like to add that his bike also has a cooler and a big screen TV bungee-corded to the front.
“But then how are you going to see where you’re going?” I ask.
“It pops up when you stop at the park to rest,” he adds. Of course. Rest stops. I should have known.
A lengthy prologue and wayward digression from the whole point of this post–our spring break trip to Tampa.
So how does one do a family vacation then when you mix a Sit, Stay, Sleep parent with a Go, See, Conquer one? The same way we do life–with frustration and exhaustion and do-overs but also humor and grace, meeting in the middle, and goodness, such a deepening love for the rough edges that are real life.
Alligator reflection at Florida Aquarium. Yin and Yang, baby.
We’ve found a few things that work for us. I am a morning person and Brett loves to sleep in. On vacations, I don’t mind taking the kids out early on my own in the morning and giving Brett his quiet alone time. And we were fortunate on this trip to have my niece (my first baby love!) with us, so we did morning excursions on our own–finding the best breakfast gems hidden in the city (The Blind Tiger!), taking walks through the neighborhood (Seminole Heights, you sweet charming little chunk of earth!), scouting out the closest park.
Also, I think this is a good place to make a very important declaration. Ready? Here goes: Sweet baby Jesus, there is a doughnut in this world that will take you to other places. Unicorn places. Places that blur your vision and make you smile without knowing you’re smiling. Put Tampa Dough in your GPS and start driving there, no matter how many miles. Just drive. Order the creme brulee doughnut. Shut your eyes when you take your first bite. You will see God. Also the French Toast one is great and so is the maple bacon and okay the S’mores one too. Yes, I tried all four.
This is what I love about traveling to places even just a little bit far away from home: my taste buds open up. I wake up a little bit more.
To new and unfamiliar….
Magic that glows, Florida Aquarium
But also to things I think I know…our comfortable familiar. I love viewing my family from the eyes of a tourist:
That big sister. She’s so caring. Aware. Look at her quietly take in her world. My, what a deep thinker she must be.
So gentle and patient. An old soul, isn’t she?
And the one with braids. An eager little learner.
That wonder, that enthusiasm. I want that!
What a hoot. I bet he keeps his parents on their toes.
But look harder…some spirit that kid has got. My goodness, he’s going to make good use of that in the world, isn’t he?
And would you look at that dad? He’s got a story, I’m sure.
Watch him talk to his kids. Now that’s a feeling.
Somewhere in the scope of even a short four-day vacation, I get lost and am found in the magic of the rough but also glittery edges.
The corners where We’re-Losing-It meet We’ve-Found-It.
Where I’m-Sorry kisses I-Forgive-You.
And I’m-Tired hugs I-Could-Do-This-All-Day.
Home is a beautifully complex noun. And stepping out together with your family–anywhere–is a great way to both solidify and expand what home means.
What I know to be true:
Home and Family are like Art: Exquisite and limitless and begging to be explored in new ways.
Have kite, will travel. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Tampa glitter:
Oxford Exchange…a truly sensory experience for a meal. Shop, drop, eat, and roll.
One thing we’ve figured out: Pick one thing. An aquarium, a zoo, a park, a show, a museum. Just one big thing a day. Keep standards reasonable. Show up and be amused, entertained, inspired by the little things. Stay flexible. It also worked really well this trip to make lunch our big meal out and then stay in and cook dinner at the house we rented (first time using Airbnb–we found the sweetest deal on a family-friendly, character-filled home in a charming neighborhood). The kids did better eating out during the day, and the home environment at night was great for winding down and chill time…with Bob Marley.
We all loved visiting the Florida Aquarium again…
…and Glazer Children’s Museum. We stayed until closing.
Note: I’ve become the worst mom for playing restaurant. I used to be really good at it, but now I feel compelled to say things like “Is this gluten free?” “Could you toast this a little darker?” “Are these tomatoes local?” “Is there MSG in this?” maybe because I never say those things in real life. It confuses the kids and they end up yanking the rubber sandwiches away from me and serving them to someone else. At which point I yell “ONLY TWO STARS IN MY REVIEW!” which only confuses them more.
I behaved like a proper and good mom at the indoor beach though.
The kids’ favorites?
Most definitely the fountains next to the Children’s Museum…
…neighborhood walks to Starbucks.
…and spa night.
And mama’s favorites?
Watching love.
Dash finds dead lizards. Always. And talks to them.
At dawn, we rise. At night, we retreat. And in the middle…we love.
Happy Monday and Happy World Down Syndrome Day, a celebration of a journey that is really just another kind of vacation.
Laura Foote says
Oh Kelle, after years and years of following you and your family it is so fun to see you in my neck of the woods, literally! The Seminole Heights Garden Center is steps from our first Tampa home– a 300 sq ft historic tiny home– and Curtis Hixon is next door to my husband’s theater company! I’m glad you got to enjoy so much. I think the Mini Donut Factory is a must for ya’ll next time and Piquant’s brunch is to die for. Hope to meet you someday! xo! Laura
jennifer byars says
Beautiful pictures as usual! Looks like you all shared many wonderful experiences on vacation. My family just got back from a mini spring break vacation as well. Although I am exhausted, we did have a great time. It’s always good to be back home.
jeanne says
LOVE the zen bike!!! You are So eloquent!!! Enjoy reading your posts so much!
Andrea says
Beautiful post! Beautiful writing! Beautiful thoughts! Beautiful photos! I really enjoyed reading this. I loved your honest reflection of a family vacation with young children, with parents with different styles. My husband and I could be you guys, except I’m “Bob Marley (no reefer)” and hubby is the relentless adventurer. I nap in the hotel while he and our daughter explore everything there is.
I also loved that you were in Tampa. We lived there for 11 years, and it was quite possibly one of our favorite living experiences. Such a fun city with so much to do and see. We almost bought a home in Seminole Heights. But, life took us in a different direction. So much nostalgia seeing your pics!
Thanks for bringing a little joy into my afternoon with your writing!
Ashley says
My Favorite post of yours EVER! And I’ve been following since Ms. Lainy was a baby!
Maria says
I LOVED this post! Three of the cutest kids ever (4, if you include Savannah but she looks way grown up now!), doing fun things, being together in a cute house with a cute Mom & Dad=perfection. The pic of Nella at the Oxford Exchange…just Stop…she is destined for greatness. Happy Spring & Happy World DS Day. xoxo
Lesley says
Love this post!! Your writing moves me so much. I can feel exactly what your are describing and I love that. Very few writers have done that to me. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good story, but to actually feel it, feel like you’re apart of it, feel the emotions, feel the hard times, the good times and most importantly the love….amazing!! Thank you!!
Leishell says
Exactly what I thought too. Writing is just amazing.
Linda vOgel says
Goodness, your a miracle. Thanks for keeping it real and expressing in a grand ole way, just how so many of us feel. Muahs!!
Jeanie says
That was a wonderful post! Very inspiring. Even though I don’t personally know you or Brett, I feel like you nailed the differences between you.
Erin says
I love Tampa. It’s become my home. You definitely stayed in my friends’ neighborhood- I can tell by the houses in the background.
And the last time I was around Seminole Heights I saw a man with a big beer belly hanging out of his pink bikini as he waved and whistled at the cars in an intersection. Hope you didn’t stop at Meat Mart, and maybe next time take Bret to Supa D’s. It’s the big metal building with Bob Marley’s face on it on Busch Blvd, if you’ve never seen it. 😉 Glad you had a great vacation!
Holly says
Thank you, as always, for sharing! I’ve been reading your beautiful posts about your amazing family for years. Every time you manage to bring a smile to my face. “Guess what Kelle said today?” is something my husband is so used to hearing that he doesn’t even ask “Kelle, who?” anymore. Lol! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’m glad to see that you had an amazing vacation.
Leishell says
Always love these posts. Such warmth and heart. Inspires me to get my camera out more too.
Jolie says
Love this post and love their swimsuit- the red and turquoise floral- would you mind sharing the source?
Thank-you!
Kelle says
Those are Betsey Johnson kids (found on Zulily).
Life with Kaishon says
This was the best.
What a wonderful trip! Your niece was probably the most helpful person ever!
Since we are speaking of Bob Marley and the substance he smokes, I went to a home visit this morning and the neighbor boys (lets say 16 and 17) were sitting on the front steps smoking marijuana just as happy as can be! I was going to give a little lecture about how they should probably not do it on the front porch, but I decided to have a day free from conflict so I just smiled. One of the kids said, “Are you going to call the cops, miss?” I said No.
It is Spring Break after all. Smoke away : ).
Kelle says
I love this!
The DOmestic Dietitian says
Great pictures and stories!
My husband and I are both relaxers on vacation (thank goodness), however, our 1 year old son hasn’t gotten the note yet and insist on being an early-riser-run-out-the-door and basically never stop running kind of vacationer. The little bugger.
Brynn
Mary says
Do you mind sharing what lens you used for these (well really for all of the photos you post here!) pics? I’m about to purchase a new one and was just curious which was your favorite 🙂 Thanks in advance for your help! Your blog is truly a joy to read!
Annie says
Awesome post. My husband and I often look at each other across the top of our three boys (4, 6 and 8) and wonder when holidays are going to be relaxing 😉 Each holiday, we try to find the balance between adventure and relaxation too – not always successfully, but somehow we edge closer to a break filled with love and life and joy and memories… and a bit of time for Daddy to read the paper x
Benay says
Kelle, those were the best pictures. Oh my goodness — the way you capture your family is breathtaking. And the girls on the hammock? Perfection.
Beverly says
Loved every word. It is literally food for my soul. So wish I could go back and do it again.
Shannon says
Kelle~never stop writing! I laughed OUT LOUD twice reading this. Thank you for sharing!!
MamaHay says
I fell in love with my partner because he was the zen to my carefully calculated moves and my unicorn personality, and of course, as much as I love it, it also makes this gal loco
Kristy says
I couldn’t adore you more 🙂
Danielle says
Any tips on finding this house to stay at? We will be visiting my brother in law this summer and this seems like a great place to stay with our 6 kiddos. So much better than trying to fit into hotel rooms.
Kelle says
Look at Airbnb site and try Seminole Heights, Florida.
Kelle says
This was only 2 bedrooms though–just heads up.
Brittony says
I love when you go on vacation.
Marianne says
Oh, Kelle… I love all of your pictures. But that one of Nella in front of the portraits? Best thing ever.
stacey says
The “playing restaurant” story is hilarious!!! Love all the pictures!