July Vacation Days: Happiness in the Presence of Children
Today, I sit in the comfort of our home filled with spaces where I go for solitude, stillness, and serenity; and, I am grateful for this restful and peaceful environment.
However, fond memories linger of the time spent this summer with laughing, happy, and active children.
Within two months, I went on three trips:
Wisconsin: Four Days – Grandson’s 8th Grade Graduation
Wisconsin: Five Days – July 4th Family Celebration
Massachusetts: Seven Days – Mother-Daughter Vacation in Martha’s Vineyard
This placed a heavy burden on our credit card. But, during these visits, I was uplifted in the presence of my family and friends; but most of all the children.
In a little over two months, I will celebrate my 73rd birthday. During this last season of life, I value the time spent with loved ones. To me, it outweighs money. Hubby might disagree. Okay, let’s be honest, he does. In past years, when I go with the girls to Martha’s Vineyard, he visits our son in Milwaukee. This year, after the first two visits to Milwaukee, he stayed at home.
My Cherished Vacation Photos
Throughout the year, I will visit my Vacation 2014 Photo Albums. I will reminisce about the days filled with “Happiness in The Presence of Children.
“When children come together to play and laugh, they are surrounded in clouds of happiness. And, these same clouds will expand to surround those of us who are privileged to be in their presence.” (SeasonedSistah2)
“Children at once accept joy and happiness with quick familiarity, being themselves naturally all happiness and joy. ” (Victor Hugo)“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together make this world a beautiful garden.” (Unknown)“We find delight in the beauty and happiness of children that makes the heart too big for the body. ” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“There’s nothing more contagious than the laughter of young children; it doesn’t even have to matter what they’re laughing about.” (Cris Jami)“Children make you want to start life over.” (Muhammad Ali)“I just love listening to the laughter.” (Simon Pegg)“A child’s smile is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.” (Unknown)“Children are one of the greatest lessons in happiness, constantly challenging us to enjoy the moment as the next one will not be the same.” (Unknown)
“Childhood is the most beautiful of all seasons.” (Unknown)“When you feel yourself unhappy, look at a smiling child, you will feel happy again. ” (Mehmet Murat Ilday)
During this final season life, I am going on a journey to define "ME." Opening up and going outside of my comfort zone to redefine ME.. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility.
In undertaking this mission, overcoming the FEAR is my greatest challenge. Fear has played a large role in my life, but I overcame the FEAR of breast cancer, chronic pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Apnea.
My new mantra: FEAR has two meanings: "(1) Forget Everything And Run, or (2) Face Everything and Rise. The Choice is Mine."
Blogging here I come ready or not!!!
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14 thoughts on “July Vacation Days: Happiness in the Presence of Children”
You have a very sweet family. I’m glad you were able to spend time together.
Yes, they are my special people. I miss seeing them on a regular basis, but it makes the times when we gather even more special. Thank you for your comments and I apologize for the delay in responding.
“When children come together to play and laugh, they are surrounded in clouds of happiness. And, these same clouds will expand to surround those of us who are privileged to be in their presence.” Is this your quote? What a beautiful way to describe how it feels to be with happy children!! I love the photos-you must have had an excellent photographer :):) Love you, Cebby
Sorry, Cebby, for the delay in responding. Had a great time this summer. And apologize for failing to give credit to the photographer. But, I know there will be other photos in the future, which will allow me to correct this oversight. Luv U.
I am so happy for you to have had the wonderful vacation time to be with your children, and all of your grandchildren. they are so lucky to have you – to love and cherish them, to be proud of them, and to provide memories that will someday be played out as they remember how they, themselves learned to be such loving grandparents. and I see that travelling swing set!
Hi Karen. I apologize for the delay in dying thank you for the comments. Yes, the traveling swing set was still in my youngest daughters back yard awaiting transport to its new home — where we once lived before retiring to Florida. Now, my son lives there with his five-year-old daughter. I so enjoy hearing from you. Hugs Yvonne
SeasonedSistah 
You have a very sweet family. I’m glad you were able to spend time together.
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Yes, they are my special people. I miss seeing them on a regular basis, but it makes the times when we gather even more special. Thank you for your comments and I apologize for the delay in responding.
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You cherish the memories of your time with them all year round. And their memories of you will stay with them throughout their entire life.
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Thank you, Karuna. And, I so look forward of being in their presence for the upcoming winter holidays.
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“When children come together to play and laugh, they are surrounded in clouds of happiness. And, these same clouds will expand to surround those of us who are privileged to be in their presence.” Is this your quote? What a beautiful way to describe how it feels to be with happy children!! I love the photos-you must have had an excellent photographer :):) Love you, Cebby
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Sorry, Cebby, for the delay in responding. Had a great time this summer. And apologize for failing to give credit to the photographer. But, I know there will be other photos in the future, which will allow me to correct this oversight. Luv U.
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This is beautiful! thanks so much for sharing! ♥
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Thank you, Jane.
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dear Yvonne,
I am so happy for you to have had the wonderful vacation time to be with your children, and all of your grandchildren. they are so lucky to have you – to love and cherish them, to be proud of them, and to provide memories that will someday be played out as they remember how they, themselves learned to be such loving grandparents. and I see that travelling swing set!
much love,
Karen xoxo
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Hi Karen. I apologize for the delay in dying thank you for the comments. Yes, the traveling swing set was still in my youngest daughters back yard awaiting transport to its new home — where we once lived before retiring to Florida. Now, my son lives there with his five-year-old daughter. I so enjoy hearing from you. Hugs Yvonne
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Delightful family photos. I agree about money being a non-issue when it comes to the priceless time spent with family. Happy 73rd birthday!
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Thank you, separated by thousands of miles from children and grandchildren I value the times when we gather as a family.
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Children are a joy!! Thank you for sharing.
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Yes, I so enjoy my grandchildren as well as the children and grandchildren of family members. Thank you for your comments.
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