Alternative Lifestyle

Every two years we do a family vacation together. This is an opportunity for almost all of the family to spend an extended period of time together. Our original family of 6 has grown into a two mini-van trip family, with 5 kids under the age of 5 in tow. This year we went to Portland and rented a lovely house in the Irvington Historic District. This was a nice opportunity to catch up with my family and spend some time with my nieces and nephew. I have missed large family sit down dinners and the chaos that goes with it.


This family trip made me realize just how much time has gone by. I remember when we were little my parents packing us up into a minivan and taking us to Disneyland. Now it is my sisters packing their kids and us into the minivan for a family trip. My parents are getting older and it is weird to see how the dynamics have shifted and who has become the parents now.

It was nice to spend time with my family but I am also very appreciative of my space and freedom. I adore the little ones but I am definitely content to be fun Aunty Char, then give them back at the end of the day.