New Hampshire

 You guys!! The past 2 mornings have felt like fall and your girl is ECSTATIC! Windows open, sweatshirt on, sipping my iced coffee.... I am in HEAVEN! I know this won't last and later today will be almost 80 degrees but for this moment I'm savoring this feeling because it's just a reminder that my favorite time of the year is on its way! That being said, I'm not trying to rush summer though. We've still got a lot of fun things planned and I know these days are passing oh so quickly. Back to school will hit and I'll be a puddle. This year Kamryn will be a sophomore, Logan in 8th grade (last year of middle school), Kensington in 5th grade (last year of elementary school), Tenley in 4th grade and my sweet Smith is starting kindergarten! It's going to be a big year for the Sasses but I'm not quite ready for it to start just yet... However, the cooler mornings are a nice treat!

I've been meaning to get on here and share a few pictures of our little getaway to New Hampshire. We had such a great time! It needs to be said: I know with social media being so prominent in all of our lives it's very easy to feel like we aren't doing enough. Sometimes it feels like everyone is traveling the globe with their families while you just can't keep up. Would you believe me if I told you this was our first REAL family vacation? For the past 15 years we've been growing our family and traveling just never fell anywhere on the list of things we could fit in. Our kids have never been on a plane, it's been more than a decade since Mike and I have been on a plane, we've never done Disney, a beach getaway, nothing. We did go down to the Cape for a weekend when Kensington and Tenley were babies, but we vowed to never go back....it just wasn't a good experience. But I digress, this trip was extra special for us. As silly as it sounds when we woke the kids up to leave Smith went running into the girls' room and yelled "We're going on bay-cation!" and I walked away and teared up. Mike and I work really hard to not spoil our kids. Aside from ipads our kids live a very 90's childhood and that is by design. We want them to know how to be bored, entertain themselves, appreciate things, understand that life isn't constant entertainment and staying home isn't a bad thing. To each their own, and no judgement if you'd rather keep your kids busy 24/7 but for us it's just not something we can do nor do we want to do. Our kids very much deserved this vacation, and I was just so excited we could give it to them! So, this is your friendly reminder. The vacations will come...they might not be nearly as fancy as other peoples...but they will absolutely be as special!

Okay, on to our trip...

We found a super cute house only 3 minutes from Story Land that was plenty big enough for all of us! The 5 older kids shared a bunk room, Archie had his own room and Mike, and I were in the master. We were close to so many restaurants and a couple grocery stores. It was truly the perfect location for us. On the agenda was Story Land, Santa's Village and checking out Uncle Zacky's newest Ryans location at Settlers Green. It was a busy long weekend, but we had so much fun!

First stop was Story Land. It had Mike and I feeling all sorts of nostalgia. It truly has not changed a bit! I think we rode every single ride they have. We had a blast! But it was SO crowded. We made the best of it and still managed to have a great day, but really there were so many people. LOL!

Settlers Green is a must when you visit the North Conway area, and we had to stop by the new Ryan's while we were there. Of course, Kamryn and I had to take our picture in front of our picture on the window. I think it was 2 years ago, my brother called me and asked if we would come and take some pictures for his advertisements. After some convincing, I agreed. Little did I know Kamryn and I would be on the window for all to see of this location! He's lucky I love him so much!! If you're in the area, make sure you stop by. Grab some lunch and have a drink while the kids play. They have an airpark that my kids LOVED and a big arcade. We stayed for hours, even though we've been to the other Ryan's locations dozens of times.

We all agreed Santa's Village was our favorite day! We went on a beautiful Sunday and never sat in a line for more than 5 minutes. I read that Santa's Village caps how many tickets they sell daily so it's not overcrowded and I'm telling you this is awesome! It makes the day so much more enjoyable. The people who work there are so incredibly nice, they have elves walking around interacting with guests, rides all ages can enjoy, you get to feed Santa's reindeer, and we even got to see Santa. It was just a really special day and one we will never forget. It's definitely in the middle of nowhere but 100% worth the drive. Not to mention the views on your way out there are GORGEOUS!

Well, that wraps up our weekend away. I have soooo many pictures but didn't want to overload this post. The kids really had the greatest time and so did Mike and me. 10/10 recommend taking this nostalgic trip with your kids! It's simple but there are so many memories to be made. We can't wait to go back and maybe even tackle another location next time!!

Happy Wednesday! I'll see you back here soon! xoxo