My First "Vacation Days"

When I started making plans for my post-station life, it became very important to me to live on some sort of schedule. Not that every day would look the same, but that each day would have its own set of tasks and I would not fall prey to watching endless movies and taking naps.

But I also determined that part of the joy of this season and its accompanying flexibility is the opportunity to take "vacation time" and "sick days" as needed. I don't want to get so caught up in working and marking things off my checklist that I don't take time to rest and rejuvenate when needed.

So I think it's a pretty fair start that last week involved two work days and three vacation days! I already told you about Sisters' Day Out last Wednesday, but I wanted to show you some of the fun from the rest of the week as well It's a rare treat that Lori comes to visit, so when she does, I like to spend as much time with her as I can!

Braeya was excited for a new friend in the house...

{I believe that is her "please stop taking pictures during my back rub" face.}

Lori and I visited Cato and actually lost all track of time while shopping. We were late to lunch with Mom and Dad. WHOOPSIE!

We went to visit my nephew's grave...

Mom wanted to take us to this cute little restaurant in Kokomo {called Gabetta's}, and it worked out that Ryan had a long lunch that day and he got to join us too!

And then it was an afternoon of shopping for the girls...where I managed to avoid spending a dime, and instead texted my love to Ryan.

Also...why are these back????

Friday night, we tried to have a hot dog roast in my parents' backyard. Dad certainly succeeded with ample kindling for the fire:

Ryan found it to be a little on the warm side for the actual roasting.

 

After all that, we were forced to eat inside because it started to rain AGAIN while Ryan cooked the hot dogs.

And we had lunch together on Sunday as well...but I didn't take any pictures of that. Too busy stuffing my face with food!!

I did get a going-away picture with Lori, though.

Such a fun visit - and I remain highly grateful for the flexibility to spend time with her! I am keeping careful track of the many blessings I'm already seeing out of this season of life, and time with her was one of them!