Six weeks, many thousands of km, laughter, tears, adventure, excitement, boredom, family, friends, beach, boats, planes, cable cars, cities, a huge journey.
I was staring out the window of our hire car, watching the planes fly overhead to and from LAX, and contemplating the awesome holiday we had just experienced. We stopped at traffic lights and I glanced out and saw this sticker on the light post. ‘I was here moments’* It summed up perfectly how I felt. There were times when our 6 weeks holiday felt like forever. But now, nearly over, it had gone by far too quickly. We had been here just moments. Little snippets of time we will never forget. The kids unbridled joy, usually at moments we wouldn’t have predicted. For Bronte it was ice skating in San Francisco that brought the biggest smile. For Lucas it was brushing and cuddling a little lamb at Animal Kingdom and ringing the bell of a cable car thanks to a kind driver. There were magical moments, incredible sights. The fog rolling in across the bay in San Francisco, just a glimpse of the bridge through the top. The Grand Canyon in all its glory. For the kids, the sight of a yellow school bus, a Disney Princess, a crazy bus ride, the Statue of Liberty, the (don’t try to tell Lucas it isn’t the real thing) ‘Eiffel Tower,’ these had them squealing with joy!
The best thing about travelling for me is the time. The time not spent worrying about work, about commitments, about a clean house and what to cook for dinner, about homework and notices and clean uniforms and bills. Time that is all ours, all together. Without everything else that normally gets in the way. Travel is all about the moments that belong entirely to us. We all loved our holiday. Before we touched down in Melbourne we were already talking about next time. This big ‘holiday of a lifetime’ thing isn’t going to work for us. No, we are already saving for the next ‘holiday of a lifetime.’ And hopefully it won’t be too far in the future!
I have (okay it isn’t such a surprise!) thousands of photos to sort through. Here are just a few of the beginning of our trip. Our first night, at Melbourne airport, tired kids after the long, long plane ride, and our special Christmas time at Disneyland. Some are photos from my ‘real’ camera, others are snap shots, all are perfect memories.
Lucas is in love. With Belle. He was chosen from the audience to play the part of her Prince. Or the Beast. (he fits both characters at times
He is now the proud owner of his very own Belle doll. I hope he remembers this moment. But as he probably won’t, I am so happy he will have these snapshots to remind him that dreams do come true. Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust.
*I was here moments ago. I was intrigued by this sticker and struck by its sentiment, so I came home and googled it. It is actually a pop culture reference from the TV show Lost and was somehow relevant in the big mystery. I only made it through the first season, so i didn’t understand the relevance. I still think it is a great little quote for life.
I saw lots of other signs along the way that I thought perfectly described parts of our trip. Here are just a few.
It makes me want to rush out and book a holiday to DL. Your children are SO very lucky to have their memories captured so perfectly xx
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