For all 3 of you who’ve been stalking momindcity.com anxiously waiting for my next post… stop biting your nails, the wait is over. The summer of 2013 has definitely been one to remember. We took our first overseas family vacation! Kosovo, Albania, Germany, and Austria in 4 weeks. Plus, we spent a week at the beach in Delaware before that. How does a working mom get this much time off? My job gives a 5 week sabbatical every 5 years. Crazy, right?!
Here’s a quick recap of why I’ve been off the grid for the past couple of months:
Bethany Beach Highlights included ice cream multiple times a day and the introduction of the “bra-kini,” which you may call a bikini at your house.
Kosovo, the youngest country in Europe This is where I spent every summer of my childhood; it’s home to my extended family, and now the place where Lira and Zana want to move (I felt the same way when I was a kid). The castle in Prizren had a breathtaking view of the city.
We also spent time in the mountains, and on the family farm:
Albania Add the Adriatic Sea to your list of beaches to visit. I won’t forget our wonderful time in Vlora, but I do hope to forget whatever stomach but took us all down; Montazuma’s Enver Hoxha’s Revenge is no joke.
Munich and Salzburg Our trip to Germany and Austria was quick– just 3 days. We explored castles, gardens (flower and beer), enjoyed hearty German food and exhausted ourselves properly for the 9 hour flight home.
Back to the Grind We got back to DC 2 weeks ago. The girls started school last week– 1st grade (gasp!) and pre-school, and Dave immediately went back to work. I decided to do a 10 day in a row Bikram Yoga challenge to cleanse the vacation damage out of my system and shock my body back into reality. Now it’s time to shock my mind. Heading back to work this morning… womp womp
How fun,wish my work had that rule a 5 week sabbatical evry 5 years:(
your Summer seemed liek it was packed. I am so gald the girls got to experience Kosov, but i am sure glad to have you back.
I definitely realize how fortunate I am. It was a summer to remember!
AMAZING! Wish the news biz gave us a sabbatical. Oh wait, it does and it’s called maternity. Somehow it is not the same though. You all look so happy, relaxed and rested. What an experience it must have been. So very excited for you!!
I know what you mean, Yvonne! My mom always says that every time she needed a break she’d just have another kid. At that rate, our family would be huge!
I love all the pictures, but I do think that caption should read: Don’t worry, I’m wearing my bra-kini. 😉 Love you all…glad you are back safe and sound. It is so awesome that you and your girls got to/get to experience such amazing places and cultures as children. hugs and kisses from ATX
I’m changing the caption right away!
Hope you guys had a wonderful summer, too. It goes so fast! XO
B, how awesome to get to share that experience with your hubby and kids!! I’m obviously jealous. ?.but happy as heck for you and the fam. Great memories and a tie to their heritage. So awesome!!!!!!!
Thanks, Shandy! I’m actually jealous of myself when I think about it. Hope you and your adorable family enjoyed the summer!
Niiiice 5 weeks!!! The trips looked amazing and what a great experience for the girls to spend some real time overseas. Hope you are back to real life. The transition from vacation back to real life can sure suck at times.
Real life is definitely not as fun as vacation. Hope you and baby Oprah;) are doing well and that you’re adjusting easily to being a mom of 2!