Two of my girls would be heading to summer camp … two down, two to go!
After many conversations with the seven-year-old, she decided she wanted to go to camp too. Piper and Wynter had friends they’d be going with, Hunter didn’t have any. But she bravely decided she would make friends while she was there.
And she did. With a bee. But that’s a different story!
Anyway. Since all three younger girls would be gone for a WHOLE week, that left Taylor and I with a week on our hands to play! I haven’t had but two days without my girls in over two years … so this momma was just a wee bit excited about the possibilities!
After we dropped the girls off at camp, we hightailed it to the airport. Taylor, Talley {tay’s bestie}, and I.
After one long flight, and a layover in Dusseldorf {say that ten times fast!}, we landed in Nice, France!
Woot!!
Exhausted, we made our way to the hotel, checked-in, freshened up {or not}, and set out to explore.
Exhausted after our exploration, I couldn’t have been happier to get into my pj’s and melt into this beautiful bed! I.was.out!
And I’m happy to announce … I slept for FIFTEEN hours!! 15 beautiful hours that I will cherish forever!
Unlike me, the teens did not sleep so well.
They were up, and slept, were up, and slept,
and slept,
and slept,
and slept …
and then for some reason got annoyed with my texts.
Go figure!
Eventually they did, in fact, finally wake up and we made our way to the beach.
A very rocky, crowded, but oh-so-beautiful beach!
In fact, we spent every day at this beach … you know, as soon as I could get the teens outta bed. Cuz that text message over there? It was an every day occurrence.
Seriously, how else was I supposed to get them up-and-at-em? Yeah, I coulda called their room, but for some reason I didn’t figure that one out until the last day we were there … leaving for the airport.
The good news is … this is where we spent most of our vacation. And it was blissful! The weather was beautiful, the scenery gorgeous, and the people watching … well, let’s just say it kept me entertained!
I love Europe. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to live. Not in a forever-kind-of-way. But definitely in a life-experience-kind-of-way! In fact, just yesterday the kids and I were playing “Would You Rather,” and the question was asked, “Would you rather live in Europe or in North America?” With no hesitation I answered, “Europe.”
There’s just something so magical and beautiful about the architecture, stores, restaurants, streets, and yes, even the entertaining people.
One night we decided channel our inner Selena Gomez Grace Kelly and head to Monte Carlo. I’m so glad we did it … definitely a fun treat!
And you know … cuz mommas rarely have proof they were on vacay, I needed to do a few obligatory selfies. What’s a mom to do?
A couple highlights of the trip were:
- the fish spa! yes, fish spa. the fish munch at the dead skin on your tootsies, leaving it feeling soft as a baby’s bottom! for realz!
- a pedicab ride! we had the most awesomesauciest driver around. he helped us make tourist fools of ourselves all through the old city of Nice. crazy fun!
I am soooo incredibly thankful I was able to take this trip with Taylor. Quite honestly, it wasn’t the mother-daughter dream trip I’d imagined … understandable with a friend along, and totally okay … I love Talley! she’s been a complete blessing to Taylor!
But you see … Taylor has been like my shadow for the last threeish years. She’s not had a close friend for most of her teens and I’ve pretty much been it for her.
Well … that’s all kinda changed. She has a “life” now and is out almost all of the time. I’m thrilled for her! She’s missed out on a lot over the last few years and it’s warms my heart to see her having fun and having friends.
But at the same time, I realize I’m kinda missing her. And I guess that all came full circle for me on this trip. Not in a bad way at all, just in a your-kid-is-18-now-and-momma-gotta-let-go-a-little way. :)
I love this girl so much. She means the world to me and I’m soaking in every spare minute she has left with me!
What a wonderful post! You look so happy in these photos Tracie. Thanks for sharing!
thanks for stopping by rhonda! i’ve definitely been feeling “lighter” and i guess it’s showing! :)
Awesome, awesome, awesome! And the photos, amazing!!
Would you do a follow up post IDing all your outfits/where to buy from the trip?? LOVE them (and your fashion style, in general)!
haha! thanks sarah! maybe i’ll start linking to “what i wore wednesday?!” :)
What a beautiful vacation for such beautiful girls! So happy you got to spend time with Taylor, I too am having those feelings of letting go with Katie….. It is so hard, I want to be happy for her which I am, but sad, because I know it’s the end of a era and a beginning a new one! All these mixed emotions what’s a momma to do? Go on a trip too! We are heading to the other side of the lake via Mach-Six :) The last big bang before she heads off to UW-Milwaukee. It will be an first traveling by water with the girls, but fun all the same! (I hope, I get nervous with all those people in a small space getting along)
So glad to see your blog again! Miss your beautiful thoughts, girls and you!
a trip away is DEF what the doctor ordered!! enjoy the time with your girlies … it’s flying by, isn’t it!?
I was never so happy for you. You truly needed this time away and you looked so peaceful and happy. This was a very much needed trip for Taylor as well (without her three little sisters along) You are so amazing at capturing the beauty of things. COntinue to enjoy those special moments together, special memories like these will last forever!!
thanks mom! love you!
It looks like a fabulous time was had by all. Is for sure on my bucket list!
go! go! go! go! :)
You are beautiful.
So glad you had a nice and refreshing visit!
So so so beautiful. Wow.
And can you believe you have an 18 year old?! Wow.
no. no, i can not believe i have an eighteen year old. cuz i’m pretty sure i graduated high school just a couple years ago!! :)
I LURVE Nice and Monte Carlo!!! SO glad you had such a fun week. And that hotel looks amazing!!!
I LOVE that you got to have a fun getaway while the littles were at camp! Nice is so beautiful — hooray for wonderful adventures! xoxo
You know how much I loved seeing all of your instagrams from your trip! ;) reading this just confirms how beautiful of a trip it was for you and your daughter. Thank you so much for sharing!
ahhh, thanks for stopping by caroline! i feel like you were a small part of my trip! seriously … every time i saw a “tour” poster i thought of you!
i loved seeing your photos on ig… and seeing them again just makes me smile!!! i am missing you! your trip sounds so good… and even though you planned on it being time for you & your girl, her having along her bestie (YAY!!!!!) gave you some time to rest. i am thankful for that! i hope that being away from your world was healing in its own way!!!
and i know it feels like you only have about five more minutes with tay… but she will always, always need you. even when her eighteen year old heart wants to soar :)
and huntie at camp?!?! yay!!!
love you!
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WHERE did you get those fab aviators?!?!? I am looking for a larger pair (they have to cover my eyebrows! LOL)