I was recently talking with my friend Heather and we were discussing two types of people. The people who will do without on a weekly basis so they can save extra $$ for vacation and those who would rather have the day to day benefit of things purchased or experienced. I am in the former camp myself. I am willing to sock away money each month with the gratification of planning, researching, and looking forward for months in anticipation of a vacation.
In fact, I have found my happiness increases when I have something to look forward too. Even if that means scrimping here and there. Such as scouring Goodwill or Target for a bargain or not remodeling the bathroom or having a few weeks of lame-ish dinners to reach our vacation fund goals. Heather on the other hand would rather have a new washer and dryer or the option of going out to eat more often. Of course we heartily agreed we would rather have BOTH- but we are living in reality 
{most days}.
Last week we went to Great Wolf Lodge with the kids and we had a ridiculous time. Ridiculously good time. It reminded me why vacations are so valuable to me {besides the no cooking or cleaning part!}. Time away from real life allows us all to decompress with the people we most adore .
It means saying YES way more then no.
It means nachos with scary cheese sauce.
It means 32 ounce slushies {with refills!}
It means extra hours to hold the baby that ‘real life’ doesn’t always afford.
It means smiles & laughter & memories.
It means I will stay in the vacation fund camp for now:)
{Yes, I recognize some families have budgets very tight without the luxury of vacation savings. It is all relative and we all have to do the best with what we’ve got, with the choices we make.}
I’m in the latter category…the very latter parenthetical category…but it is nice to live vicariously through your vacay observations.
We keep saying we’ll save towards whatever fund..but all the shiny balls catch our attention and the resolve crumbles. I can’t wait to go to Great Wolf. I definitely want to try to go together!