My daughter sat back in her seat with a pure smile and a big sigh of relief. She grabbed my hand and affectionately said, "Mommy, I really needed this fun. We are so much better when all four of us are together."
Yes, I couldn’t agree more.
School started a month ago and guess what? I am already exhausted and over scheduled. Yes, from packing lunches to homework to afterschool sports, this momma needed a break with her family to recharge and have some laughs. We’ve been so focused on sports and our hectic calendar that we haven’t had time for basic family fun; adults included. When school begins, our life changes so much and it is easy to forget how much fun we can all have together. We all need a moment (or more) to catch our breath and focus on each other.
On vacations, we get to be our authentic selves. I get to be “fun mom’ as opposed to working mom or stressed out housework mom. I can see the glimmer in my husband's eyes when he shuts off the world of work and stress and just gets to be the fun daddy. Those moments, those real-life family moments, are made during the simple time when we can just focus on pure fun.
The truth is it is hard to just focus on each other when life gets in the way, which is why our recent family adventure in Nashville was the perfect opportunity to reconnect. At the Holiday Inn & Suites Nashville Vanderbilt, family comes first thanks to their staff and hotel layout. For me, the best part about staying at Holiday Inn is that I can focus on my husband and kids without all the real world distractions of meal preparation, cleaning, and planning ... it’s all taken care of for me.
Here is my idea of the perfect vacation where we can reconnect - which is what we experienced:
Nachos for dinner? Absolutely on vacation! Kids eat free and I don’t have to worry about the dishes. There is something for everyone so I don’t have to worry about my picky eaters finding something delicious for breakfast or dinner during our stay.
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Swimming for hours. When we vacation, the pool is a must and my kids want to jump, splash, play, and laugh while playing with mom and dad. In the pool, it is our time where we can play Marco Polo or dive for rings.
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Games. Whether it is Hookie or Jenga, we love spending time playing games and having some silly family competition. We can even laugh at daddy while he works out in the gym.
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Relaxing and naps. When we travel for a getaway, it’s time to cuddle and just relax on fluffy beds with stuffed animals. We don’t have to worry about cleaning up because it is all taken care of with housekeeping services.
Exploring and meeting new friends. The best part of getting away is exploring the area around you and Nashville is known as Music City - the perfect place to dance to your own beat and explore the unique neighborhoods and restaurants that make the town so unique.
Let’s face it, time away is always about enjoying the special moments that make life worth living. The laughs, the memories, the stories, and the silly moments that no one expects. Holiday Inn makes that happen by giving you the perfect space to be together and capture those special moments you will never forget. And now that school has started, this time is more precious than ever. A weekend away should definitely be in your future and Holiday Inn can help!
Holiday Inn is a sponsor of Macaroni Kid. All thoughts and opinions are the author's own.
