We're all in the same boat!!!!

So, as promised...I duck-faced. It's the only one of it's kind from vacation because I simply couldn't bring myself to do it more than once. The above picture was taken on a cold rainy day midway through our families vacation at a lake house. We were tired of being trapped in the house, and decided that despite the shitty weather, the "Adults" would be setting out for a cruise on the pontoon. (can't say that without singin it) The duck face was an attempt to entertain myself and the others..and now, you. You're welcome. Soooo..I have to be honest. I was really nervous about vacationing for an entire week with another family. But it turned out to be so great a time that I actually MISSED them once we got home. We made some great memories together that's for sure, and I would absolutely do it again. In fact, I plan on it. I don't think I've ever laughed as much, or as hard as I did on this trip. It helped that the family we were with shared me and the hubs sick sense of what qualifies as funny. It was just awesome. We let loose, and just enjoyed every single moment. I would have to say though, that my favorite thing about this vacation, was watching the kids play. It was so nice to have all of our children unplugged and interacting, not just with us, but with each other. And for our family, that in itself is HUGE !!! Don't get the wrong idea. We all love each other very much...and generally speaking we all get along...but the hustle and bustle of daily life can get pretty hectic from time to time And really....being a blended family is rough sometimes. With four girls, emotions run high in our household,(which is -by the way- why I think the two boys hide in their room most days) But somehow, we magically transformed into one big happy family! We reconnected, and really got to know each other again. And, it was incredible, and I feel so blessed to have what I have. So there we have it. Operation "First Family Vacay" was a great success, and I can't wait to do it again... Life is good today.

Kids Today.... (yes I mean that in the old lady way)

Oh my god I'm old. Ok...not really, I'm not shrively yet. But...tonight, in reminicing with a friend that I grew up with (shout out to Lizzard) I came to realize that kids today are getting jipped. And in my humble opionion simply having that thought, even for a split second.. does indeed qualify me as "old".

I'm not going to get into the "we walked 5 miles up hill in the driven snow with no boots" schpeel... But I am going to shed a silent tear for the kids who will never get to experience a pool hall. A place where the same old Metallica song drones on, and 16 year olds shoot pool with cigarettes hanging out of their mouths. It was a place where parents didn't go. It was open on holidays so after we did the family "thing" we could all meet up and blow of some steam. Everybody went there, the preps, the nerds, the stoners..the people like me, who were somewhere in between. There were fights, and cliques, but for the most part, it was just fun! So, while I'm sitting here, all reminiscent and what not- I guess you could say it kinda bums me out that kids today don't really have "hang-outs" anymore. I mean, dont you worry, Ill totally get over it. But it saddens me that there is no driving around looking for your friends...no more going to the nearest mall, pool hall, arcade, in search of someone to hang out with. They are connected ALL THE TIME! They know where their friends are..because they've all checked in on Facebook, or Twitter posting duck-faced pictures of themselves in the bathroom of wherever they might be. It's crazy I tell you! Cuh-ray-zee! On that note, I'm taking my kids on vacation next week. We rented a beach house, and we are not bringing video games or computers...and our cell phones are going to be left off. We are unplugging...unlaxing...and rewinding. Wish us luck. (I will duck-face in as many vaca photos as possible!!)