This week in our Summer Daze Series, we are talking vacation. Honest to goodness, leave the office behind, vacation. Yes, it’s early summer, and yes, I’m pretty sure what you’re about to read is my only escape for the season, but it was still blissfully dazing!

The hubby and I didn’t get a chance to take a honeymoon after our wedding – it was right back to work! Didn’t bother me too much, but over the last couple of weeks, we had a chance to spend some time together, and now I see why honeymoons have so much appeal. I missed having my man to myself!

We don’t typically schedule much during the summer as funds have been limited, and it is tough for us to get away for more than a few days at a time…especially at the same time! This year, we had two events that lined up on back-to-back weeks and it really felt like we ended up getting basically two weeks off. Unheard of!

The first trip took us to the mountains of southern Virginia and Grayson Highlands State Park. The in-laws were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and wanted to do so surrounded by their favorite people – their kids! Which included me. (Giggle!)

We went hiking and biking – about 30 miles total – and saw some beautiful countryside. Highlights for me were biking half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, criss-crossing portions of the Appalachian Trail, and being a rebel and petting the wild ponies. It was also a hoot watching the two dogs fight over sticks in the creeks!

The trip was a much-needed opportunity to spend time with family without the pressure of a major life-changing event. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, I am blessed with amazing in-laws and was so grateful to experience such a wonderful place with all of them!

Throw in the Memorial Day weekend, and we were right back on the road. This time southbound, to Hilton Head Island, where the hubby’s office hosts a week of strategy and recap/planning meetings. Sounds like fun and games – hosting meetings at a beach-side resort – but he was locked indoors a majority of the week. I headed down for the concluding dinner, and spent the next day and a half with my man soaking up some sun.

While it was a short stay, I am grateful for quiet time to reflect, relax, and read. The hustle and bustle of daily life truly does disappear when you’re on a beach. Rare is the occasion when I can stop thinking, and I do not take these moments for granted!

What kinds of trips do you have planned for this summer? Are you a mountain lover or beach goer? We are heading back to the mountains for a two-night camping trip with my sister and brother-in-law over the Fourth of July. Do you enjoy roughing it or do you need a jetted tub and fruit-infused water for a good vacation? Share your tales with us!

This is the fifth post of our Summer Daze Series. If you’d like to catch up on any posts you may have missed, click HERE. We’re happy to have you!