Summer vacations with kids are fun in the same way that relocating a circus is fun—absolute madness, so many bags and bodies, but can be as exciting as they can be overstimulating.
So in honor of summer, I’ve put together a completely UN-scientific ranking of things that feel more relaxing than an actual family vacation.
Sitting in your car in the driveway after work. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
You’re done with work, but no one knows you’re available yet. Because you’re not. 4/5 stars.
Going to a restaurant and someone else handles all the kid care. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Yeah, the kids are there, but you know, they’re pretty cool sometimes. It’s just better when you don’t have to do the bathroom visits, and you get to eat your food hot. 3/5 stars.
Going to Target alone. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
No list. No agenda. No tiny consultants following you around asking for things. 4/5 stars.
The school pickup line when you’re 20 min. early. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s just you and your true crime podcast. 5/5 stars.
Folding laundry in complete silence. – ⭐️⭐️☆☆☆
The laundry still sucks. The silence does the heavy lifting here. 2/5 stars.
Checking into a hotel yourself. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Just you and a king-size bed. 5/5 stars, would recommend.
A shower where nobody talks to you through the door. – ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Lost two stars for being unrealistic. 3/5 stars.
What feels more relaxing than a vacation to you right now?
Sit on my deck watching the birds
Hot coffee, on a cool summer morning, while sitting on the deck. With only the birds, frogs, and crickets as company. 4/5 stars. Lost 1 star because.of mosquitoes.
Sitting outside under our Magnolia tree reading a book.
Sleeping in on Saturday morning
Spending time with family
A cozy afternoon nap!
Making art while watching a good show or movie, and if its a nice autumn day I love lounging in a hammock listening to nature. but also putting on my soft bamboo loungewear, putting on a face mask and making myself a nice cup of tea and reading a book. ( or, once again, making art lol )
(ෆ˙ᵕ˙ෆ)♡
hot bath in my clawfoot tub with candles and oils
Having spending money available after paying bills!
A cozy blanket with my favorite snack or candy and no one saying Mom, Mommy, Momma, Mother for at least one hour.
Bed
A relaxing massage
A long, hot shower.