Shopping at Costco can be a bit of an adventure––you never know what kind of treasure you may find. While we can’t get enough of the bulk paper products, oversized bags of cheese and furniture choices, the warehouse retailer also sells some interesting and expensive items you may not know about. Keep scrolling to see our roundup of some of the more ridiculous things you can check out on your next Costco run.
Mario Andretti Signed 1969 Camaro Pool Table
For the game room, how about this unique pool table? Signed by the legendary car driver, it's got real rims, tires and working lights, and can be yours for only $19,999. There's even a white glove delivery service included!
Mountain House 1-Year Food Storage
You never know when disaster will strike, but Costco has you covered. For the bargain price of $5,000, you can outfit your home with 3,986 total servings of food to get you through whatever comes your way. With 220 cans that cover entrees for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and a shelf life of up to 30 years, that zombie apocalypse's got nothing on you.
D’Artagnan Premium Locker Pack of Sustainable Meats 41 lbs.
While the idea of having enough chicken, steak and pork to last a year seems like good planning, we're not even sure who would have the freezer space to store 41 lbs. of meat! If you do, it'll only cost you $499.99 to have this delivered to your door.
Cheese lover? This 72 lb. Kirkland Signature Whole Wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is for you! Imported from Italy, the 24-month aged cheese is actually quite a steal at $12.50 per pound. The beautiful rind make it a great gift or wedding appetizer!
Don't have your own wine cellar? No problem! Costco stocks the Wine Enthusiast 300 which holds––you guessed it––300 of your fave vino bottles! The compressor-cooled fridge comes with Vino View so you can proudly display those fancy labels and a surprisingly affordable price tag of $1,899.99
Round Brilliant 10.03 ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Show how much you care by picking up a stunning diamond platinum solitaire ring on your next Costco run. This 10 carat, near colorless diamond has a VS1 rating and a gorgeous platinum band. Act fast––there's only one available and at $420,000 you don't know when this ring will be gone forever.
Urns & Caskets
Costco is all about putting affordable products at your fingertips so it's no surprise they stock a line of urns and caskets. Plan ahead or order in a pinch, most of the products for funeral needs are under $1,000 and make the details of a difficult time a little easier.
Looking to buy a home or refinance? Check with Costco before you do! Members can take advantage of the warehouse's Mortgage Program where up to four lenders will communicate with you on available loans. Costco also offers Veteran options, too!
Almost Heaven Fayette 6-person Steam Sauna
Stop wasting money on a gym membership and just buy your own 6-person sauna the next time you head to Costco. The Almost Heaven Steam Sauna ($4,700) is a sound investment that heats in 30-60 minutes up to 190°F. The outdoor designed product is made with thick cedar, comes with two long benches, backlighting and is "easy" to install in just 4-5 hours.
Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro Massage Chair
Forget expensive spa memberships when you can come home to a great massage in your $3500 Osaki Massage Chair. The in-home treatment features Bluetooth speakers, touchscreen remote, 3D heated rollers, and knee kneading, toe, foot and ankle air massage.
Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Retreat II Playset
We are all about kids having fun, and if you're ready to fork over the $4,000 it takes to play on the Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Retreat II Playset then more power to you! Your backyard will be the talk of the town with the unit's two play decks, three slides, two swing stations, one ring station, rock-climbing wall, fort and picnic table, phew! And don't worry––installation is included.
Looking for a local place to get away this summer? You don’t need to go far for a true vacation. These Airbnb rentals near Washington, DC offer epic swimming pools, plus plenty of space for families of all sizes. Read on for the best Airbnb rentals near the DMV for summer fun. Splash on!
Escape to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where this historic home—built around 1790—awaits families looking for some R&R near dining, shopping and outdoor activities in New Hope. The updated property retains its old-world charm throughout, but the real highlight is the secluded, outdoor pool, surrounded by lush greenery. Bucks County or the South of France? You won't know the difference here.
This Airbnb is so big and so cool that you might forget the beaches and boardwalk of Ocean CIty, Maryland, are only a short drive away. Play in the oversized pool, relax in the hot tub, roast S'mores by the fire pit, hang out in the game room (where there's also a wet bar), play basketball, and more. This Airbnb has five bedrooms and sleeps a total of 12 guests, making it perfect for a multigenerational escape.
Planning a trip to the Strasburg Rail Road or the Turkey Hill Experience? Make this Airbnb your home base. Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, it offers an oversized pool with diving board—the perfect place to relax after a fun (and exhausting) day at nearby Dutch Wonderland or Hersheypark. It also has a spacious living room with a balcony.
If you can safely see family and friends this summer, it’s time to plan a visit to this Airbnb that’s big enough to accommodate 15 guests. Situated in Fairfax, Virginia, this modern house offers a beautiful pool and hot tub, both of which can be lit up at night for after-dark swimming. You’ll also love the grill and outdoor dining area that’s covered and screened-in, ensuring the fun never stops, even when it rains.
This property has been nicknamed the Petit Resort because you will feel like you're tucked into your own private retreat. But petit it is anything but. This house can accommodate up to 10 guests in six bedrooms. Relax on-site in the hot tub or in the pool or take a short walk (or water taxi) to downtown Annapolis for fresh seafood and waterside dining. Bonus: these superhosts employ the latest technologies and cleaning products to make sure this rental is clean as a whistle (and based off of reviews, they're doing a great job).
This private cottage offers waterview rooms from nearly every be in the house; there are 3 bedrooms to accommodate up to 6 guests (including a set of bunk beds for the littles). Get direct access to the Chesapeake Bay from this property or take a dip in the home's pool or hot tub. Amenities at this cottage include two kayaks, a stand up paddle board, a crab pot and dip net, a charcoal grill, a fire pit and two adult bikes. Toss these folding bikes into the car for the kids!
You don't have to travel far to dip your toe in a cool pool. This home in the heart of Clarendon in North Arlington offers a wading pool perfect for pint sized swimmers. Before or after your dip, don't forget to roast marshmallows in the outdoor fire pit. Feel free to leave your car at home; this house is conveniently located near a metro stop.
Why rent a cottage when you can enjoy this spacious compound. It's the perfect place to self-quarantine for 2 weeks (there is a 14 day minimum stay) with family or friends. This elegant retreat is just 30 minutes from the capital; the perfect rental for those that need work/life balance. Lounge by the heated salt-water pool and enjoy a retreat that will make you feel worlds away from city life.
Perched on 90 acres, this farmet has views for miles. Enjoy everything the Eastern Shore has to offer, like fishing from the on-property pier or catching blue crabs for dinner. Amenities include crab traps and fishing poles and a $100 credit toward kayak rentals (or bring your own). Or just spend a lazy day in the pool while watching the wildlife.
This perfectly private property, aptly named Peace and Plenty Farm, features a heated lap pool (open May to October) surrounded by wildflowers. It's the perfect place to relax after exploring historic downtown Frederick, Maryland (about 15 minutes away), or Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (45 minutes away). Other features include a grill, fire pit and walking trails.
It’s been a year and then some, and you have very likely spent most of that time at home, probably hunched over a computer—yours or your kids. This is why for Mother’s Day, something that goes a little beyond the typical bouquet of flowers is in order. You know who agrees? Mindy Kaling! She put together this “Mindful Retreats by Mindy Kaling” wishlist. Scroll down to learn more of her favorite stays and experiences on Airbnb (including one our editor tried out.)
Airbnb
Kaling's picks are all about peace, tranquility, and the great outdoors. Whether traveling with kids in tow or solo, Mindy’s wishlist of mindful stays and experiences are immersed in nature, from a peaceful treehouse with an ocean view in Aptos, California to a mountain bliss yoga hike in Phoenix, Arizona.
“The best feeling, as a mom, is when I get to travel with my kids and show them something they have never seen before. I’m like this friendly wizard who shows them new places and experiences! I’ve been dreaming of a relaxing vacation with my kids for a while, getting them outdoors somewhere away from the noise and routine of the city,” said Mindy. “Over the last year, I’ve spent some time wanderlusting on Airbnb and planning our next escape, and I’m excited to share my very own wishlist with you all!”
Click here for other wishlist-worthy stays and experiences in the greatest outdoors. If you’re not able to celebrate Mother’s Day in person, here are Online Experiences to gift or take together, allowing you to connect and explore the world with others virtually.
Traveling via road trip or in an RV to national parks in California tops every family’s bucket list. Luckily, there are several national parks near San Diego where you can explore the beauty of nature and have unforgettable adventures close to home. We even show you where to book a stay in cozy cabins and amazing nearby Airbnbs during your travels to majestic locales including Joshua Tree, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Channel Islands. Read on for where to plan your family vacation.
Check a visit to the stunning Joshua Tree National Park off your bucket list. Hike enthusiasts will love hiking this desert terrain featuring towering boulders, and picturesque cacti and trees. The twisty tree shapes, cactus forests, and blobby boulders in Joshua Tree make wonderful Dr. Seuss-style memories for your kiddos on this desert adventure. For a simple trek, the one-mile loop trail through Hidden Valley is a good introduction for little ones. Start your adventure at the West entrance, then work your way along the road exiting the park at the South. The most scenic sections will be located close to the road at the beginning of the trip.
If your kids like to climb, seek out Skull Rock. Don't miss Cholla Cactus Garden to capture some otherworldly photographs.
Good to know: You can also experience Joshua Tree virtually here.
Airbnb Nearby: Exploring Joshua Tree? Then call The Joshua Tree House home during your visit. This stylish 1949 hacienda is conveniently located 10 minutes from the west entrance of Joshua Tree National Park.
Located just ten miles from downtown San Diego, Cabrillo National Monument honors the 1542 landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo on San Diego Bay. Established in 1913 by Woodrow Wilson, you can learn all this and more at the Visitor’s Center–a great place to start if your kid enjoys an educational tour. Little seafarers can take a scavenger hunt to identify the local history, while you soak up the sights of the ocean, Coronado Island and the San Diego skyline. Stroll the paved path outside and discover the Old Point Loma Lighthouse (currently closed). Then, hop in the car and take the winding road down to the famous tide pools. Note that Cabrillo Sea Cave is currently closed. What's open at this time: Trails, Cabrillo Exhibit, Assistant Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters Exhibit, Park Store, outdoor areas, and restrooms.
Airbnb Nearby: Gather your group of family and friends and splurge on this luxe Point Loma oasis that has a gorgeous pool with waterfalls, a spa, a fire pit and an outdoor kitchen. You'll love spending time swimming and dining in the sunshine while enjoying the glorious views of San Diego.
The Channel Islands are a world away but still right here in SoCal. The Park encompasses five islands and the one mile of ocean that surrounds them. This guide helps you plan your visit to this remote locale that's an amazing break from city life. Channel Islands are referred to as California's Galapagos Islands and they are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species that thrive under protection and preservation. A visit here takes some planning and effort, but it's well worth the reward of visiting these blissful island escapes.
Good to know: Plan ahead of your journey to secure transportation to the Channel Islands from Santa Barbara via park concessionaire boats (Island Packers) and planes (Channel Islands Aviation) or by private boat. Once you reach the islands, there is no transportation except on foot, or by private boat or kayak.
Airbnb Nearby: This Santa Barbara family retreat is the ultimate home away from home. You'll have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to relax at this newly remodeled 5 bedroom and 3 bathroom home. Enjoy the Mediterranean outdoor setting that boasts a gas fireplace, plentiful seating, a custom fountain with Belgian picnic table surrounded by olive trees, and an outdoor bar with infrared grill, refrigerator and outdoor television.
Stroll among the giant, towering Sequoias and feel blanketed by a canopy of trees and immersed in nature like never before. You'll find the largest trees in the world at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, as well as caverns, canyons and mountains. Hike, watch wildlife and camp in this exquisite environment. You can also explore Crystal Cave once it reopens to behold stunning underground rock formations.
Airbnb Nearby: This quaint, newly built Little Bear Cottage is poised just three miles from Sequoia National Park. Soak in the hot tub on the expansive deck while taking in the mountain views. You'll feel nestled among the trees in this cozy abode. The interior is beautifully decorated, cozy and clean. It's the perfect mountain retreat.
Access the Mojave National Preserve between Los Angeles and Las Vegas to be transported to desert tranquility that also offers plenty of adventure: "singing sand dunes, cinder cone volcanoes, a large Joshua tree forest, and carpets of spring wildflowers are all found within this 1.6-million-acre park," as explained by the National Park Service. Take advantage of the Preserve's Ranger Programs (currently postponed) and if you're interested in desert camping, click here.
Airbnb Nearby: This adorable tiny house called The Peacock is located on Sandy Valley Ranch, 45 miles from Mojave National Preserve. Watch the sunset from the rooftop patio where you'll get lost in a sea of stars and serene solitude. You can also book horseback rides and reserve breakfast, lunch and dinner from the ranch.
Located in Los Angeles, the Santa Monica Mountains are home to 500 miles of trails and teeming with wildlife "hidden in plain sight" adjacent to the bustling city. Known as Los Angeles' urban jungle, here you can climb a mountain and swim in the ocean in the same outing. You can also visit historical and cultural sites and learn how the Native American communities lived in the Mountains for over 10,000 years. The Mountains are easily accessible and a great escape into nature for SoCal families.
Airbnb Nearby: You can either opt for a stay in this breathtaking oceanfront beach home on Livingston Beach in West Malibu, where you'll enjoy ocean views and a quiet beach right outside your doorstep, or retreat to this Malibu home situated on eight acres in the middle of the mountains with glorious views of the ocean and mountains you can enjoy from the expansive deck.
Editor’s Note: When planning your trip to any of the locales listed above, be sure to visit Park websites to learn about up-to-date closures, regulations and restrictions so you can proceed accordingly.
Whether you are looking for the perfect staycation near Akron, Ohio, or your travels bring you here, we’ve got tons of Airbnb options for your stay. These family-friendly Airbnbs near Akron include lakeside retreats, cabins in the woods, downtown gems and the promise of nights by the fire pit. Where will your next adventure take you?
This modern four-bedroom Dawdi Haus (Amish grandparents home) is located right in the heart of Amish Country. Explore the beautiful two-acre property with a barn for your animals (if needed). Start up the grill and spend the evening near the fire pit. The kids will like the air hockey and foosball tables, and the game closet has a little something for everyone.
This beautiful and spacious waterfront four-bedroom home is perfect for all your getaway needs! Bring your own boat and dock at the property, or rent one near by. There are many great local restaurants accessible by boat. Enjoy the fire pit and fish from the dock. There's a game closet full of indoor fun if you catch some bad weather. The kitchen is fully stocked with all the equipment you'll need to cook up your meals.
This cute and cozy small ranch house is the perfect space to stay while passing through Akron or when visiting family but want your own space. It is centrally located between the Football Hall of Fame and Cleveland with easy access to 77 making the location very convenient. Fans and A/C will keep you cool and visitors find the beds to be very comfy.
Families will enjoy this historic home with a lovely enclosed front porch nestled in beautiful downtown Kent. It's an easy walk to downtown Kent restaurants, art galleries, coffee shops, unique gift shops and The Kent Stage. Enjoy the downtown atmosphere and local restaurants plus many outdoor activities along the Cuyahoga River including walking path.
Come stay at clean updated Cape with modern stylish decor in quiet neighborhood. You'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay including four new memory foam mattresses. There's a fully-stocked eat-in-kitchen with stove, refrigerator, new microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and table and chairs. Kids will especially love the ping pong table.
Enjoy your time at this lovely home that's only eight miles from Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The house is located on a nice, quiet street with easy access to grocery stores and shopping. Enjoy your evenings in the backyard after a day spent hiking nearby.
A new portal to a world of fun and adventure just opened in Tukwila. It’s called Reality’s Edge. Everything about this virtual reality experience is mysterious. Most people will walk by and not even notice that the portal is there. But it’s there all right—and just wait till you see what’s inside!
Dad Dreams
Reality’s Edge can be found at the Seattle Exchange compound in unit #671 under the business name Ong Innovations. The unassuming and stark office area serves as just a front for the wonders that lie beyond the back door. You see, once you go past that back door and enter the large white room, you’ll be leaving the world as you know it. Or at least when you put on your special virtual reality goggles you will.
While the concept of virtual reality isn’t exactly new, two Seattle dads, Sean Ong and Joshua Phillips, are on a mission to create the next level of entertainment that is both family-friendly and affordable. And frankly, during these COVID times, it is a great, safe place to bring the kids.
A Different Dimension
“Reality's Edge is a fun place for friends and family to experience virtual reality together,” says Sean. “We aim to lower the barriers to virtual experiences and bring family fun and forward-thinking education experiences to the masses.” Sean and Joshua have big plans for Reality’s Edge, but right now they are starting out small with virtual laser tag sessions for group sizes of two to five players. We got a chance to check it out, and it’s a win in our book. It’s laser tag as you know it, but in a different dimension.
Create Your Reality
Once the cordless goggles get put on, you’ll find yourself in a different landscape. It may be out in space or in a lush jungle. Turn around slightly and you might be surprised that you’re not alone. Five creatures, both human and inhuman, stand at the ready for a chance to serve as your avatar. This is how the other players will see you. From there, you play the game just as you would a physical game. You shoot lasers at the other players. If you get shot, you’ll retreat to the specially marked areas to recharge and then you go at it again. Special bonus features hang within reach, making you a force to be reckoned with.
Playing it Safe
As a parent, you may be wondering how is all of this safe? This is part of the experience that we really like. All of the equipment is cleaned and is sanitized after every session. During the games, each player has sort of a six-foot bubble around them while they play. If a player gets too close to another player, a warning flashes helping everyone to maintain safe social distancing practices.
During the games, players have to navigate around different virtual obstacles, but the physical walls of the room are very real. Run into one of them and you’ll be in a lot of hurt. Fortunately, the game puts up a barrier about two feet away from the actual walls to keep players from bumping their heads. Adults and older kids will pick up the technology right away, but even little ones (about five years old or so) will be able to understand how to play rather quickly. And being dads themselves, both Sean and Joshua know how to speak “kid” which is helpful getting young ones comfortable with this new experience.
The Next Chapter
This is just the beginning for Reality’s Edge. The owners hope to expand to offer other experiences like Winter Wonderland and a Virtual Science Museum (We got a preview of this and it will be really cool!). For now though, the place is open by appointment Monday-Saturday. Each half-hour session is $35 for up to five people during the week and $60 on Saturdays.
Want to do something totally different for a birthday or special event? They offer that too. Party packages are just $250 for 90 minutes, including an hour of VR time and 30 minutes for cake and refreshments. In fact, these guys are super flexible, so if you've got an idea, they will work with you.
Hours: Mon.-Sat., by appointment Cost: $35/session, Mon.-Fri.; $60/session, Sat. Ages: 5 & up
671 Strander Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
833-664-8727 Online:realitysedgevr.com
Klondike wants to know Wwhat would you do-o-o for a few minutes of alone time? With everyone spending so much time at home the last year, the ice cream brand is stepping in to give everyone a way to grab a much-needed break.
Say hello to the Klondike Cone Zone: a premium ice cream cone-shaped hanging chair that serves as your cozy private retreat––complete with a zipper so you can shut out the noisy, outside world.. This completely unique piece of furniture not only gives Klondike-loving fans an outlet for doing whatever it takes to get a Klondike, but also as the ultimate spot to devour one of the new Klondike Cones.
“These days, many of us could do with a little less multitasking at home and a little more ice cream,” says Russel Lilly, Vice President of U.S. Ice Cream at Unilever. “Eating a delicious Klondike Cone deserves its own moment of bliss, which is why we engineered the Klondike Cone Zone, so fans can literally escape, take a break and enjoy their sweet treat in the most satisfying way possible.”
Klondike wants to know what you would do to get a free limited-edition Klondike Cone Zone in their new sweepstakes. To enter for the chance to win, check out @KlondikeBar on Twitter and retweet the brand’s post with the hashtag #IWouldDoANYTHINGForAKlondikeConeZoneSweepstakes.
The sweepstakes runs from Feb. 22 through Mar. 8 in the U.S. only for adults 18 and older. Full rules can be found at unileversweepsrules.com/klondikeconezone. Winners will receive a Klondike Cone Zone chair, stand and coupon for new Klondike Cones with limited quantities available.
Next time you head to the grocery store, be sure to also pick up some of the new Klondike Cones in flavors like Vanilla Chillin’, Nuts for Vanilla, Classic Chocolate, Double Down Chocolate, and Unicorn Dreamin’. Later this month you’ll also be able to find new Klondike Shakes in Wind Down & Chocolate and Chill Out & Vanilla in a 6-pack for a suggested retail price of $5.99 at major retailers nationwide.
I heard this phrase the other day, “Something of value to your heart” and I wondered how we can turn these circumstances into something of value to our hearts? A lot of us either have more time than we’ve had before or less time. Whichever category you fall into, how can you curate your days so that they bring value to your heart? One way to do this is to hold your own at-home retreat.
Before the quarantine, many of us may have taken a weekend or a week and go off somewhere to experience time with friends, sought out the quiet we crave to be able to think, make decisions, re-energize or relax—so why not do this now in the comfort of our own home as a way to create calm and community?
I’ve created two schedules for you to follow. One is for those who have more time and the second is for those who have less time. You can commit to doing this for an hour, a day, a few days, a week. You can sit in meditation for as little or as long as you want—it is completely up to you; however, the idea is that this is going to give you the practice to start moving you towards that thing that brings value to your heart. And while you’ll be in separate places, this is also something that you can do with friends at the same time. This at-home retreat will give you some quiet within the noise that surrounds you, bringing a sense of calm to the uncertainty.
For Those with More time:
Set Your Intention: What is bringing you to do this right now?
Mindful Movement: This is doing any movement that feels good to your body, and paying attention to the movement. You circle your hips and put your attention on the sensation of what it feels like. You dance in your kitchen and put your attention on the way your arms are moving.
Breakfast: Eat something fresh. Fruit is a great way to begin the day. Think of something light.
Meditation: Sit for 5 -30 minutes, whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Walk: As spring is here, take this time to get outside and go for a walk.
Journal: You can do three pages of stream of consciousness writing, or write out what it is you’re grateful for. You can also use the following prompts: How can I take care of myself today? How do I want to feel today? What brings me joy?
Lunch: Eat something fresh. A nice salad with protein. Again, go for something light. Hydrate.
Meditation: Sit for 5 -30 minutes, whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Walk: Take this time to explore your neighborhood or places you’ve wondered about but never felt like you had the time to visit.
Listen to an Educational Talk: Turn on a TEDx talk or do a search for something you’ve wanted to learn about.
Meditation: Sit for 5-30 minutes, whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Dinner: Make yourself a warm, comforting meal
Talk with Friends: Plan the call ahead of time so you know what time you’ll be connecting. You can invite a group of your friends to join together. If you do this retreat with friends, this would be the time for all of you to connect and talk about your experiences. Or if you aren’t doing this with friends, use this time to connect with someone who you really enjoy talking with, and who you can have a conversation with that will leave you feeling fulfilled, inspired, and motivated.
Read: Pick up the book you’ve been trying to read for the last few months.
Stretch: Do some simple stretches to let your body know it’s time for rest.
Sleep: Do a Yoga Nidra meditation to prepare your body for sleep.
For Those with Less Time:
Set Your Intention: What is bringing you to do this right now?
Mindful Movement
Meditation: Sit for 5-10 minutes whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Breakfast
Lunch: Stop what you’re doing and take lunch. Sit with your children or with your partner or roommates. Eat something fresh. A nice salad with protein. Again, go for something light. And hydrate.
Walking Meditation: After lunch get outside and go for a walk. Even if it’s only around the block. While you’re walking notice the trees, the sounds in the environment, welcome everything you hear with non-judgment and friendly attention. Notice how your arms move when you walk, the feeling of your feet in your shoes. If you notice you’re caught up in thought, say thanks for sharing, and then as yourself focus on what your feet are doing, what your are hands doing.
Cynthia Kane is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute. She is the author of How to Communicate Like a Buddhist, Talk to Yourself Like a Buddhist, and the upcoming book, How To Meditate Like A Buddhist.
In October 2005, my middle son was born. In 2018, he graduated from college.
Today, I’m trying to figure out how time works.
Eons ago I had three kids in three and a half years. Life was abuzz. Now I have two college graduates and kid number three will walk across the college stage next May. Life is profoundly quiet.
But at one point my life was full of noise and chaos. I didn’t know which end was up.
As moms, ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our children is only one enormous responsibility we have in life. Other roles may include wife, volunteer, career person, caregiver, confidant, ministry leader, coach, etc. When so many moving parts vie for our attention, the load can be overwhelming. At any given moment, one or more of these areas can break down and leave us reeling.
If we don’t tend to the damage when the mishaps occur, before long our life as a whole can get out of hand. I’ve been there. When my house was full of littles, my husband traveled for work. Over time, my exhaustion turned to resentment, which gave birth to marital strife, which resulted in sleepless nights. During the teen years, the battles over independence left me frazzled, which morphed into eating stress for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which brewed up ulcers in my belly.
What I came to learn the hard way is the value and importance of slowing down. To pause long enough to take a step back and evaluate what’s going on. Sometimes this looks like getting away for a day by yourself, meeting up with supportive friends or making the time to attend a weekend spiritual retreat.
I don’t know whether you are in the throes of littles, the sweetness of the elementary years, the drama and heartache of middle school, the push and pull of teenager land or staring into the abyss of an empty nest. What I do know is these seasons fly by. Which is why with every passing year I’m reminded that right NOW is all that matters. This moment.
Regardless of the stage of motherhood we are in, the only way to bend time in our favor is to immerse ourselves in the present. In the messes, joys, trials, celebrations, painful moments and idyllic experiences.
To experience any of these scenarios means we are still here. Alive and breathing. Blessed.
Every second counts when time races by at the speed of light.
Although life sneaks up on us, LOVE is a constant.
God guarantees us this gift. It’s ours for the giving and receiving. Right now. In this moment.
Parents looking to book the ultimate bricktastic vacation will be excited to learn that LEGOLAND Florida is now offering all-inclusive packages for the first time ever. Starting today, guests can begin booking vacays that include everything from hotel to food and entertainment for stays starting Apr. 17.
So what does an all-inclusive stay include? The deal includes a stay at one of the on-site LEGOLAND hotels as well as unlimited admission to the theme park and water park during your stay.
You’ll also get all your meals included, including breakfast and dinner at one of four hotel restaurants and lunch at a restaurant in the theme or water park––with ten places to choose from! Families will also get unlimited golf at Florida’s Wild Side Mini Golf.
As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also snag a DigiPass photo package, valet parking and unlimited Coca-Cola freestyle refills in a souvenir cup. To make things easier, guests will get an exclusive credential lanyard with each benefit identified.
All-inclusive packages are valid at LEGOLAND Florida Resort hotels which include LEGOLAND Florida Hotel, LEGOLAND Beach Retreat and the new Pirate Island Hotel which opens Apr. 17.