Well Spring Break for the Veg Teen has come and gone. Tomorrow, we venture in to the world of braces as the final quarter of 7th grade marches on.
But in reflection of the past couple of weeks, I'm so grateful for the opportunity to spend time with him and my mission to create new memories in 2016 has been a success.
We took a day drive in to North Carolina for a hike. But not just any hike. We went to three waterfalls, had an amazing dinner and saw some spectacular spring season mountain views. More importantly we were able to talk. No electronics allowed on this adventure and it brought some really fun and much needed conversations.
The following week we took a spur of the moment drive to the beach. And when I say spur of the moment, I mean at 9pm I was saying: "Hey, let's go to the beach in the morning." You see, the ocean was calling and I just couldn't say no. Driving over the mountain, I got to see the moon setting and the sun rising while Veg snoozed in the passenger seat. It was seriously the most beautiful site I'd ever seen until later that night. I had no idea what was in store for us.
Knowing our room wouldn't be ready at the time we crossed a bridge in to flat land, we stopped off for the best lunch at a steak house. Yeah, a steak house with a veg and gluten free menu! What?? Oh my kale, it was so good. I got a GF risotto with veggies galore and the teen got a black bean burger that was bigger than his head. It was made from scratch and served on a giant GF bun. He was a pretty happy camper. Then off to find him a bathing suit and shorts.
Yeah turned out while packing, he had nothing that fit. Did I mention it was spur of the moment? Our next stop was the book store so Veg could find some reading material for our balcony and I could get some coloring book material.
Every time I've traveled for the past 20yrs, I bring a book to read but I have yet to actually read said book. This time I was going to color on the balcony. No thinking, just doing! And at that point, I couldn't wait!
So then it was off to the resort where I'd gotten a great deal on a condo with a balcony. But when we checked in to the room there was no balcony. What??! We had reading material and coloring supplies, we needed a balcony.
Back to the registration building we went and the lady not only gave us a room with a balcony but she upgraded us to the most gorgeous condo we've ever been to. Sometimes being kind and offering smiles is extra helpful.
The condo had a reading nook that the boy curled up in and he never even used the balcony. But I was out there with every free chance until the sun went down. Which I got to watch a fire ball rest in the clouds. When suddenly I got the idea to check out the full moon over the ocean to see what it looked like.
The teen came with me and OH My GOD!!! It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. As the sun was setting on one side of our vision. The moon was rising. It looked like a pink flame coming out of the ocean. We stayed for a long time and watched it rise higher and higher. It changed colors several times and the reflection of the water was gorgeous. My pictures couldn't do it justice but the vision in my mind is permanently marked.
If you ever get a chance to see a full'ish moon over the ocean, go see it. Incredible!!!
The next morning, we were up early to watch the sun rise and the moon set. Watching a full cycle of our earth spinning. My mind is still spinning actually, with the pictures from that week. Our trip was only three days, but sooooo needed and such a blessing.
The teen played in the water (which was only 50 degrees) for hours and hours. We ate out for every meal and enjoyed every minute just being real without any agenda or places to be or any negativity.
Next time the ocean calls, I'm definitely going to answer!!
Happily,
A Vegmom