We rented the same place we’ve rented for the last 5 out of 6 years (we missed 2017). We visited the same amusement park, the same mini golf stand, the same dune ride company. We jumped in the waves. We made a pact to go in and under no matter how cold and on days when the waves weren’t too high we swam out to sandbar whooping at how alive and frozen we felt. We visited with people we love, but not all of them, and often too briefly.
I’m happy to be home, surrounded by my own things, going to bed in my own bed, but tomorrow my dad won’t be stopping by with a ridiculous number of donuts and juice. I won’t be listening to my grandma share her stories and wisdom while eating peanut butter cookies that remind me of making them with her as a child. I won’t be making squiggly drip sandcastles or swimming out to sandbars.
I am home, but missing home.
And already looking forward to next year.
I’ve enjoyed your photos on IG. Your vacation looks fun and relaxing. I’m almost jealous, but that would never do, now would it? Glad you’re home safe and sound with wonderful memories to share.
It was definitely fun!! But no…no need to be jealous. I always recommend people look into for a vacation though…it’s pretty special.
Beautiful photos, Kate. I’m glad you had such a wonderful visit/vacation 🙂 . When we moved here, nearly eight years ago, we drove around Lake Michigan and were amazed by the scenery.
I hope this week finds you settling back in at home and that the feeling-of-missing eases up.
(And thank you for the very sweet comment you left on my blog. I had a post 90% complete a couple of weeks ago, but then life happened. Things have been kind of crazy around here (not in a bad way, just in a there’s-too-much-to-do kind of way).)
It really is a beautiful place – and it was a wonderful place to grow up so I try to share it with my kids as much as I can. It helps that my dad and my gram still live there and I get to see them when we go over.
Completely understand the too much to do. I figured you’re busy with classes and children home and just summer…
Oh, how this resonates: “I am home, but missing home.” So glad you are getting to make these memories with those both older and younger than you. As always, your photos are glorious and gorgeous. So nice of you to share your art with us here.
I feel a bit like that for the first few days back every year. I’m so grateful that I get to share the places we grew up with my kids, my sister’s kids.. It does feel a bit like eating an elephant – how do we share the sum of our whole childhood in one week a year. Sadly, I’ve realized I can’t. So we’ve created some new traditions, blended in some from our childhood, and my heart swells each year at what has changed and what has stayed the same. I hope my own kids will carry on the tradition when they’re older. It’s a beautiful and special place to me…but from the sounds it, you understand that completely!