I’m never really sure whether I should blog about family vacations. The people I mainly blog for were there, and the rest of you probably aren’t too interested in the ins and outs of my family’s vacation style. However, for the sake of my own journal I’ll include an entry.

This year seemed a particularly monumental as the reality of the finality of family vacations as I have known them hit me strongly. I will no longer be the aunt with no kids who can dedicate all her time and energy to her nieces and nephews. The older sister who can fly out easily to spend time with younger siblings. Even this vacation was different than previous ones. Pregnancy symptoms drained my energy and preventing me from playing basketball, jumping rope, and throwing children around like I normally would have. This time I was the one who was tucking in early and getting up late. It was me who waddled around the house instead of running after children. I’m transitioning into a new role, joining the ranks of my older siblings. I’m just grateful for the years I had to fulfill that previous station as carefree aunt.

Although this picture is blurry, I love it. It captures the joy Adee felt but tried to restrain after receiving and playing her new clarinet.

This is another favorite. Oh, the wonder of Christmas for children. (Rhyse)

My niece Brecklyn was given jump ropes for Christmas. We all enjoyed playing with them. Ryanna was particularly good.

Tom, ever the playful and hence admired uncle. (Please forgive the outfit, that’s what happens when you decide to not check bags at Christmas time!)

No Petersen vacation is complete without a talent show- in this case, three talent shows. Here’s Dantzel playing her violin. We now have four violin players in our family. Ranging from ages 4-10. (I guess if you count Rhyse we have five, but at age 18mo. she’s probably a bit younger to be considered!)

Anyone who has participated in a large family get together knows the challenges. I think this year was one of our best. We had a diverse amount of activities: jump roping and outdoor play, ice skating, walks, basketball and competitive games at the gym, swimming, talent shows, a cooking competition, and of course plenty of eating.