family and vacation the two don’t seem like they go hand in hand at my age. When I was a child I of course loved going on vacation… I couldn’t imagine going on vacation with any other group of people… being the youngest I loved hanging out with all my older siblings. I didn’t see my eldest sister that much her being 10 years older than me, but in many ways I looked up to her. She excelled in sports and school, her dedication to both was one to be admired. My brother took me under his wing, 5 years older than me he treated me like his little brother. He allowed me to hang out with him and his friends, I would wrestle his friends and often beat them. Yes, I was stronger than Zena warrior princess (It was a bit ridiculous) He would take me riding, and hunting given I hold all the quail that he shot. I thoroughly enjoyed my older brother. My other sister, 3 years older than I, was very different from me. She obeyed my parents all the time, she wasn’t that much into sports but was maticulous about everything. Naturally we fought like cats and dogs. She couldn’t understand why it was so difficult for me to obey and I couldn’t understand why she was such a pushover. My parents were very involved. Some of my best memories are my mom in the kitchen talking, laughing and cooking, she was always cooking. And my dad and me in the backyard talking and playing catch.

Family vacation was sweet with my family, but as I have gotten older I find that family vacation is less than relaxing. My oldest sister has 4 kids under the age of 6, my brother has 3 kids under the age of 3, and my other sister has 3 kids under the age of 4. Yes, vacation with family is not very relaxing. It’s a constant fight over conversation, peace and quiet, all dictated by NAPS… As you may have figured out, I am neither married or have kids, so often I still find myself retreating with my dad during family vacation. This time we take bike rides, and talk about life. I will have to say there is something so sweet about all the kids taking a nap at the same time, and for that brief moment in the day, I remember why I love vacation with family…and then there is a noise, followed by the inevitable cry and everyone is up…and back to reality I go.

I’m ready to go home now. see my love, and sleep in my own bed, enjoying the quietness of life.