for the love of a quick road trip

We had the opportunity to travel and see family this weekend. We had good road conditions, safe travels and lots of laughs. Getting there took some planning, but it was easy. Overall, it was absolutely worth the drive to see family and have some fun. And the best part is always hanging out at the hotel after a day of fun.

We got to soak in the hotel hot tub that was clean and updated. There were no splashing children, no loud music, no crowds of people. It was great. It was just our family soaking and chatting, relaxing and catching up. Then we played a rousing game of catch with a rubber duck someone found by the pool. Who knew the little things would bring such relaxation and joy?

There were road trip snacks and card games each night with a movie on in the background. When you have kids and pets, it feels like you pack a small Uhaul, but we had all the right things and everyone was able to unwind and be comfortable. Last night we had wine in hotel cups as we caught up on the day's events in our cozy pjs. Those kind of nights just make you pause to be grateful for opportunities to celebrate family, unwind, slow down and just relax. Every day brings adventures when you have kids and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the hotel fun through the kid's eyes this weekend. 

For those of you that road trip with the kids AND the pets, bravo! For those that don't, I see you and I get it. I personally will never turn down a hotel hot tub. I will pack, prepare and plan like a champion for a chance to leave our house and try some new spot. And what could be better than room drinks with laughter and fun??? 

today we find the joy in a real snowfall!

Two days ago I asked why we live in a place where it hurts my face to step outside sometimes. It got really cold really fast! And then we look outside this glorious morning and I remember why. The snow and all the magic that comes with it. Enough said. 

I hate the cold. I can never get warm. I will crawl into bed at night just to realize one of my hands or feet is purely frozen. It's always just one, never both. And then I lay there trying to warm it up before getting out of bed to run warm water on my hands or throw on extra socks. My circulation is just that bad.

Then you have the added bonus of shoveling driveways and sidewalks (thankfully I don't do that), walking dogs in the snow,  getting mail in the snow, running the car forever on -3 days so you can drive it... The list goes on. I appreciate all the effort that others put in to make sure the roads are safe, the furnace works and the wood pile is always stacked for a good fire. I TRY to find joy and gratitude :)

Today we choose joy. Sure it's cold, but we have fresh snow to look at and play in. Sure it's on the roads, but plows are running nonstop to keep us safe. We have hot chocolate, wood for the fire and new snowpants to enjoy. We can watch the animals enjoy this wonter wonderland as well.

As we approach the chilly, blah winter months we will try to choose joy. Find joy in hot chocolate instead of grumbling about the snow. Find joy in a Netflix marathon instead of grumbling you can't go anywhere. And rejoice in kicking someone's butt in a game of Sequence instead of grumbling the roads are too bad to go out. Go find YOUR joy!