We visit Martha’s Vineyard every summer because we are lucky enough to have family that puts us up and puts up with us, and because I love it there.
I start dreaming of the sea smell and the sticky air almost before I get home every August and I sometimes imagine the iridescent light in the depths of a dark New York winter to get me through until longer days return.
Everything glows on the island and even on a cloudy day the light radiates color.
This year did not disappoint.
But vacation is different with children.
Sure, we’re away and we’re together but the days of lounging on the beach with a book are a memory.
Please don’t misunderstand this to be a complaint. I’d trade running down the beach after a naked toddler or cooking yet another hot dog for a picky eater (don’t judge me, I know you’ve given your kids hot dogs too) for a good book and dinner out any day.
But it’s not the same.
After the planning and the packing and the driving and the unpacking and the settling in and the activities and the packing and the traveling and the driving (again) and the endless laundry and unpacking when we get home—I need another vacation.
Still, I can’t wait until next summer.
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
What a beautiful place.
I get it about the picky eater, my son would eat pb & honey for every meal and snack if I let him (which I sometimes do).
I so get it.
We are heading to a house on a lake in New Hampshire next week, and while I can’t wait, it’s definitely need-a-vacation-from-my-vacation. I think it’s a place called, back to school (at least for the big ones).
Your photos are stunning.
oh I know what you mean. I feel like that pretty much ever day… vacation is going to bed at 9:45…. I’m wiped.
Amy your photos are amazing. please tell us about the feet!
hugs
My hubby likes to call "vacations" with our four year old daughter TRIPS. As you know, there is very little ‘vacating’ happening!
And as much as I adore my little angel, I would surely rather be out to dinner without her.
How gorgeous does your country look! No wonder you can live on those memories. We’re off next week for a week and I haven’t done a thing…I’m starting to panic…but we’ll get there! Can’t wait. Happy days.
I never made it to Martha’s Vineyard, but I fell in love with the winter lght of Cape Cod.
How I’d love to go back.
Looks like a beautiful part of the world … the images are sublime!
I remember the days of getting away from home but still feeling like I was "on duty " with small children .
It does not last forever , now I’m planning a trip to meet my 26 & 28 yr olds who are living abroad & can’t wait !!
Beautiful! Martha’s Vinyard is officially on the ‘places to go vacation’ list. It looks like a great, wonderful time.I know what you mean- even without kids, sometimes after a busy vacation I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation and all the laundry it caused.
It’s nice to have you back!
welcome home!! we missed you and yours…
Welcome home. What a lovely place to vacation. I have never been to your part of the country, it seems lovely. I hope to visit that area someday but for me I have the beauty of the west coast and a lovely cabin my father built just out of Yosemite. We love going there and have for thirty eight years. I recall my folks bought the land the day my daughter was born. I am especially fond of that place.
Welcome back! Your pictures tell beautiful stories with your words – here’s to getting all your laundry done
Hot dogs on the beach and some cozy Curious George-reading…it makes me wish I were 8 years old again!
Gosh! I love Martha’s Vineyard. When we lived in Boston we went every Fall for our Anniversary. Such a lovely place to be with those that you love. Gorgeous photos!! Thank you for sharing your trip.
I know what you mean. Travelling gets easier as they get older, but it is still nice to be home.
Beautiful, beautiful photos!
Love the photos. Do kids eat anything other than hotdogs?
I say the same thing about vacations–I usually need a vacation after!
Wow! Your MV photos are always so stunning. You are not kidding about the light! Glad to hear your back.
since i am from canada, i think martha’s vineyard and i think presidental vacation….i just got back from holidays and feel exactly the same, so good to know that i am not alone in this feeling. i love my kids and extended family but sure could use some r&r for just me, or our family unit!
Beautiful photos! Sounds like you had a wonderful time, despite now needing a vacation from your vacation
Sometimes the tiring vacations have the better memories
it looks like a perfect vacation spot. your photos are incredible.
Wow, it looks all so beautiful and peaceful.
Love your post. For 18 years I have fed, chased, nursed and loved my children but OH to read a book without being interrupted by a question. However, it all gets better. This summer we spent a week at the beach in Oregon and had REAL conversations about tide pools. We walked and talked like friends. They cooked for ME! Ahhhhhhhh. Your pix are incredible. I love the Vineyard altho mostly we spend summers in Vermont which is a whole different experience. I share your dread at the ending of summer but am trying to look forward to the next season. Both this year and in life.