Vacations!

Spring Break 2009! I've been reluctant to blog about the trip because I don't want to jinx it, but reservations are made and confirmed. (Right, Mom?) My family has been discussing taking another trip ever since our Carribbean Cruise Feb 07. Dad and Mom wanted another cruise, us kids (Shelly, David and I) really wanted to go to a resort or something instead. Dad didn't want to fly (maybe its the 7 kids tagging along?). We've been really brainstorming over Margaritas on Friday nights. Then Mom was making suggestions to me on the phone a few weeks ago and out popped the destination - Big Bend. Immediately, I said YES! Brian has been talking about wanting to visit Big Bend since forever, though his plans probably didn't involve 7 kids and 8 adults.

I was at a park with the kids when Mom suggested it and before I could get home, Mom was online checking it out. Sure, its 11 hours away in SW Texas on the Mexico border, we will have 3 cars, 8 adults and 7 pretty young kids along for the journey. But it is someplace so different than where we usually go or would pick on our own. It's an adventure!

Lisa in Big Bend June 1978

My initial excitement was tempered by the fact that there aren't many places to stay in the National Park (ok, really only 1 motel) and it has been booked for months. The nearest "town" between the National & State Parks have a few (maybe 3) motel/hotels and they turned out to be booked. It was really looking bad for us. But today, Mom worked her magic and got us reservations in Marathon TX, the last town before you drive South into the Park. It's only about an hour and half drive into the park.

But it doesn't end there! We are also visiting a Resort West of the Parks for 2 nights (a nice place to relax and eat great food), and then heading North to Fort Davis for a few nights. Brian has always wanted to see the McDonald Observatory and I'm dying to go also. Then on our way back to civilization, we will stop in Sonora to see the Caverns. That is special because as a child, we drove all over and stopped at every Cave we passed. For some reason, Mom tells me we've never seen Sonora. How is that possible? **Update** Dad tells me Yes, we have been to Sonora Caverns. It is one of his favorites. The pictures on the internet looked a little familiar to me also.

Shelly & Lisa in Fort Davis June 1978

(Yes, I'm the cute squirrely one)

As it gets closer, we will have lots of planning to do. We've gotta be super organized to travel as a group with 7 kids, ages 9, 7, 6, 5, 2, 2, 11 months. But my parents are old pros at this type of trip. After all, the last time my family was in Big Bend, Shelly was 7, I was 4 and David was 11 months. No problem. Where are those pictures of David sitting in an umbrella stroller in the middle of Big Bend?

El Dorado Royale May 2005

Before I focus on the Big Bend trip, we should be excited about our Mexico trip! Brian & I and David & Leah are taking an Anniversary trip to Playa del Carmen in October. It is our 10th wedding anniversary and their 4th. We are staying at the same resort we were at 3 years ago, but in the nicer "Casita" section. Woo - Woo! Can you say Guacamayas? Where's Neil Diamond on my iPod? It's just not the same trip without a little "Sweet Caroline". Do you think Brian will make friends with another bartender? How about that crazy cab ride into town?

We had a such a great trip in 2005! Here's to another wonderful vacation in Playa del Carmen! Oh, did I mention, no kids? Thank You Bob & Pat and Mom & Dad! What would we do without you? Keeping the kids is a great anniversary gift!