It’s Show & Tell Tuesday!
Twice a month, Andrea hosts a link up where we show and tell you something. Today’s topic: Travels (best & worst).
Thankfully, from adulthood, I don’t have a trip that stands out as worst. From childhood, I do.
One time when I was about 12 or 13, we drove to Red River, New Mexico over Christmas break for fun in the snow. There were 11 of us (three families) and the adults thought it would be fun to take a RV from Dallas to Red River. My parents borrowed another friend’s RV and cleaned and prepped it a few days leading up to the trip. Then they stocked it with food and supplies and all 11 of us piled in with all of our gear one evening ready to head out (we left at night, so that the dads could drive through the night while we slept). We got less than one mile from our home and it broke down on the side of the highway. Sigh. So, after sitting on the side of the road for what seemed like hours, they finally realized it could not be repaired, so they had to come up with Plan B rather quickly. My dad ended up renting vans and we took two vans the 10 or 11 hours to New Mexico.
So, the trip started off rocky…but we got there. We enjoyed our five or six days in New Mexico and then on our last day, we packed our our vans and stopped to eat dinner in Red River before making the long drive home. It was at dinner, that one of the kids mentioned that his stomach didn’t feel well.
That would be the beginning of the end right there.
By the time we got back to Dallas, EIGHT of the eleven of us were throwing up in those two vans (myself included).
I remember it like it was yesterday. All three dads were sick, so they were driving us and getting sick at the same time. It was awful.
So…whenever I think of worst trips ever, I immediately think back to those hours in that van. I was scarred for life 😉 .
Whew!
Okay, now…last year, when Andrea did this link up, I shared this trip as my very favorite…
…when we went on a Baltic Cruise with my parents and grandparents. It just always stands out in my mind as my favorite.
Now, obviously, the BEST trips I will ever take in my entire life were these two…
January 2015 when we went to China to pick up Ashby and then…
…in September 2016 when we went to pick up Madeley. Those will FOREVER be our VERY BEST trips.
So, those two trips aside (and disregarding the trip I voted my favorite last year), I would say that this last summer our trip to Norway & the Netherlands was absolutely one of my very favorites…
…we had such a fun time exploring those two beautiful countries! It was one of those trips that I hope we repeat very soon.
To see all of the posts about that vacation, click HERE.
I also can’t leave out this trip when recapping my faves…
…the Disney Cruise we went on with the Slaughter family. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!!! My kids would absolutely say it was their very best vacation!
But…the number one family vacation that we’ve been on recently is…
…our trip to Washington D.C.!
Oh my goodness! We just had the VERY best time exploring our nation’s capital!
There was honestly too much to do. When we go again, we will stay longer. The people were so friendly, the city was so clean, the transportation was easy to use, the history was abundant, the city was very walkable and it was extremely affordable for a family of six. We had the BEST time in Washington D.C. and highly recommend it for a family trip! You can read my posts about it here:
So, what has been your favorite vacation? I’m always looking for new ideas!! Please comment and share.
And…want to know who won this…
…my Summer Beauty Essentials Giveaway?!?!
Congratulations LAUREN DEAVER GINGERICH! You and a bestie will each receive one of my favorite summer beauty essentials from Nordstrom! I emailed you this morning, so I just need you to email me back ASAP to claim your prize. And if you missed my faves, you can read the post HERE or look below…
#1: CLINIQUE CITY SHEER SPF: My very favorite daily SPF for the face. This works as a primer as well as a sunscreen, so I put it on every single day underneath my makeup. It is my absolute favorite and a MUST for summer!
#2: COOLA PINA COLADA SUNSCREEN: Whoa! I only discovered this sunscreen about two months ago, but I’m already on my second bottle. First, it goes on light and not heavy and/or sticky like other sunscreens, two, it smells INSANELY good, and three, it gives great protection! I love this Pina Colada scent but it comes in two other scents as well.
#3: SUPERGOOP SPF SETTING POWDER: I told you girls about this stuff a few weeks ago. This is an SPF that you apply to your face that comes in a powder form. It’s perfect for when you need to put on sunscreen over makeup (because applying a lotion type SPF over makeup is a little icky). I have been using this a lot lately! Like on Sunday for instance, we spent the day outside, so I just applied this powder (it comes with a powder brush) over my face periodically during the day since I already had my makeup on from church.
#4: CLINIQUE SWEET POTS SUGAR SCRUB & LIP BALM: My go-to lip balm right now. If you untwist one part of the pot, it has a sugar scrub to exfoliate your lips. Then, if you untwist the other end, you have a nice sheer gloss. Perfection!
#5: LANCOME WATERPROOF EYELINER: I shared this with you last year as my favorite eyeliner for when you need a waterproof one and confession, it’s all I wear now. I just love it so much. I don’t need a waterproof eyeliner every day, but I love it so much that I wear it daily. It goes on smooth, doesn’t smudge, stays put all day and then easily comes off at night (I use coconut oil to get it off). I wear the Cafe color, but it comes in 26 colors total.
#6: CHANEL WATERPROOF MASCARA: I went in to Nordstrom to buy another waterproof mascara for summertime and the nice lady behind the counter told me that I would love this one so much more. And she was right. Not only does it not smudge when I get in the pool and stuff but it actually makes my lashes longer and fuller. I was really impressed with this one and doubt I ever use anything else waterproof again!
Next time on Show & Tell Tuesday, we’re sharing some of our daily struggles!
To see my Show & Tell from February on My Loves, click HERE.
To see my Show & Tell about Prom, click HERE.
To see my Show & Tell about My Favorite Grownup Party, click HERE.
To see my Show & Tell about Walking Down Memory Lane, click HERE.
And to see other Show & Tell posts from last year or the year before…
2015’s Show & Tell Tuesdays HERE
And from 2016:
To see what’s coming up on Show & Tell Tuesday, look below…
Have a great day everyone!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your worst trip does sound like a major disaster, but hey, at least you all have a story to tell when you think back! It’s moments like these that make life interesting, haha!
–
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Sheaffer Sims says
That was a fun walk down memory lane! Y’all have been on so many amazing trips! The New Mexico one sounds like a nightmare. Seriously.
Kayla says
Such a toss up! It does change. So the past year is Nantucket with just me and my husband, NYC with us and kiddos and group trip was a cruise to the Southern Carribean. All so special in their own way! And Thank you for blogging about your trips! We stopped at many of your recommendation for Nantucket and NYC!
Stacy says
Durango CO— we went and explored — ziplining where you can only get out there by train — rafting and of course my mom and I had a spa day while my dad and brother fly fished —
My husband and I took a trip to Napa Valley and San fransico — we had the best time so much to do in San Fran and we loved the beauty of Napa– we learned a lot about wine and the climate — it was just an amazing trip — plus in Napa we stayed at the cutiest B&B
Sarah says
Oh gosh!! That NM one sounds horrible!!! As an adult, we took our youngest to San Diego (I was pregnant with our second at the time) and I got sick on day two. I threw up two full days, plus the six hour drive home next to a screaming toddler. Not fun!!!
Hope you have a wonderful day!!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Narci Dreffs says
I love reading about all of your trips! What fun!!
Courtney says
I don’t know if I can say one trip has been my best ever. Every trip is unique and fun it it’s own way. Nantucket is still on my list. When would you say is the best time of year to go? I’d love to be there when it’s fall-ish weather!
XO
Courtney
http://www.greywoodmama.com
Mix and Match Mama says
I love Nantucket! Growing up, we always went during the summer or fall, they’re both spectacular times to visit!
Liisa says
You´ve been to Estonia? That is so cool 🙂 Hope You liked it here. Pity I wasn´t a reader of Your blog back then, I would´ve shared some tips and best places to visit in Tallinn.
Alexis deZayas says
You have been on some seriously awesome trips!! Norway/the Netherlands look so pretty!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Oh my gosh that van trip sounds absolutely awful!! I would be scarred too LOL. I can’t wait to take a Disney Cruise and we have visiting D.C. on our list thanks to your awesome trip!
Heather says
You go on the most amazing trips! I love that you expose your kids to the world.
We took our son to Beaches Turks & Caicos last summer, which was nothing short of amazing. Hands down the most beautiful place and best resort that I have ever been to!
Whitney Pegram says
Such fun trips!! And you know the Disney cruise is on the top of our list! ?
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Yikes that NM sounds like a nightmare! I get nervous about food poisoning because it literally is the worst. I’m so inspired by your cruises!! I’m dying to get to Norway!
xo
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Sara says
Hi Shay-I just found your blog after listening to your interview with Jamie Ivey. I love it! If you don’t mind sharing-what is the name of the book you mentioned on the podcast, it’s on Dutch living? I would love to find that one, thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes! It’s The Cozy Life by Pia Edberg :).
Sara says
Thank you so much!!
Carly says
A Disney secret that few people are aware of is a Disney combo trip. First Disney World for a few days followed by a car ride ( 1hr. 15 mins) to the beach to Disney Vero Beach Resort. You can relax, ocean fun, kids programs, etc for a few days after the theme park mania. We have been doing this since 1999 and it is still hands down our favorite trip. Ask me any ? about Vero we have been going there for 18 years and still love it. FYI for larger families(Shay) you can rent your own beach villa(house) on the beach, spectacular views.
Amber Dowdy says
Ohhhhh your childhood trip is my biggest fear while traveling!!! Yuck!!! Best vacation with kids HAS to be Disney Cruise! Best Vacation with adults ~ Excellence in Playa Mujeres!
Nikki - Speak at Home Tonight says
That NM vacation would have scarred me for life too! The Dads were such troopers to drive while getting sick.
I LOVED your recaps from your Washington D.C. trips! My husband and I are planning a trip now because you made it look like so much fun! Thanks, Shay 🙂
http://www.speakathometonight.com
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
Oh Shay. The van. There are no words. I know I’ve told you this before but I’ve thrown up in cars, planes, helicopters, boats (deep sea fishing boats but never on a lake thank goodness)…I get crazy motion sickness. I can’t even imagine how awful that must have been!!!
That Inspired Chick
Courtney says
That is SO cool you got to visit China! I can’t wait to go there!
xx
courtneylivin.com
Megan Butler says
Oh my gosh. Made me feel slightly sick to read about your van experience. I’ve had similar trips. And eewwwwww. But I am so excited to do a Disney cruise in the next few years!!!
Lauren K says
Off topic, but is there a particular sunscreen you like for your kids? I’m in search for a new one for mine!
Mix and Match Mama says
I go back and forth. Right now, I’m using a Neutrogena one.
April says
I would say my favorite family vacation was our trip to Yosemite National Park . We are going to Yellow Stone National Park at the end of June. I hope it’s just as much fun.
Kelly McNellis says
We just recently visited Phoenix and Sedona, Arizona. Sedona was gorgeous. Lots of sightseeing and a cute little town. We also drove from Sedona to Williams, AZ, and took a train ride to the Grand Canyon for the day. My kiddos (2, 4.5) loved the train but didn’t quite “get” the beauty of the GC. Your bigs would probably love it. Highly recommend visiting Arizona sometime if you have not already.
Patty Anderson says
Eight people puking in vans…including the drivers. I’d be scarred for life, too! I don’t do puke very well. Even as little ones, our 3 girls knew if they puked to go to Dad’s side of the bed, lol. Diapers…no problem.
Quick question…I have a road biker friend who has a “V” biker tan but has to wear a round neck dress to a family wedding soon. Any suggestions on the perfect sunless tan product to try to even out her crazy tan lines? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Dr. Dennis Gross tanning towels 🙂
Annalisa says
Your post about DC reminds me about Scandal ending after next season!!! How bummed were you to find that out?!?! What will we do without Liv and Fitz?!
Al says
Quick question about your Norway trip- how expensive was the food there? I saw in your post you ate on land a few times and I am just wondering your opinion about the expense. I have heard it is extremely expensive (like $30 for cherries!!) and I am worried… we are headed there soon.
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t remember thinking it was crazy expensive. Maybe it was and I just don’t remember? I clearly remember thinking the food in Switzerland was expensive.
Danielle McDermott says
Can’t believe you’ve never been to Ireland!
Bethany says
Italy has been my favorite vacation! Florence was our favorite city….I miss Europe!
Carrie says
Off topic (well maybe vacation related) what self tanner do you use? I know you have posted about it but I can’t find it.
Mix and Match Mama says
Dr. Dennis Gross tanning towels :).
Detroit Duchess says
That sounds like the worst trip ever! Good thing you have lots of great trips to make up for it.
Sharon says
We have two favourite family trips: Ireland and Beaches Turk and Caicos
We are scheduled to fly to London in little over a month…. I am seriously considering cancelling our trip. I have always been one to say that we cannot let ‘them’ win by altering our plans but the fact that they went out of their way to target kids this time, just makes me sick and worried about some of our plans. I am so torn
Kayla B says
We just got back yesterday from a trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and I loved it! I’ve done a Disney cruise with my family that I loved because of the people, but I think that my all time favorite trip was touring Tuscany/ Florence/ London/ Oxford with my family in 2015. It was just magical.