Having four children and working full time is quite a task. We decided it was finally time for a vacation. But finding a time that works with all of our schedules, is close to impossible. After much planning and rescheduling, we finally were able to pick a destination. San Diego it was! My husband and I booked a week in a house right on the beach. I began counting down the days until we would be laying in the sun, on the beach, relaxing.
Of course we mentioned to our friends, our plans to get away. And what was their first question? “How are you guys going to get there?” When we told them that we decided to take a conversion van, people looked at us in awe. “All of you guys will be going in one van? With all of the kids, for that long drive?” We knew that it was possible, and actually quite a pleasant drive. But no matter how much we tried reassuring them that it was great, they looked at us as if we were crazy.
Regardless of what was said, we’d done this before and were happy to do it again.
As our departure day approached, we shopped and packed and were ready to take off. We woke up early Monday morning and loaded up the van. It was packed with suitcases, bags, and coolers filled with food. Our beach towels and umbrellas were randomly poking out between suitcases and we were ready to hit the road.
The drive was very pleasant. Having four kids, arguments always seem to arise, but luckily with this conversion van there is enough space for everybody. Everyone was able to do their own thing in the space we had. The boys were watching a movie, and one of my daughters was getting into one of her novels. They all were able to stretch out, sit back, and relax as we continued on the road.
I was of course sitting in the front seat and had plenty of room to enjoy my book, while occasionally checking back on the kids every so often. As the weather heated up throughout the day and we began to blast the cool air which felt amazing. We periodically made stops along the way to use the restroom and stretch our legs, and grab some lunch.
When we finally arrived in San Diego, our real vacation began, and it was a wonderful one. Our drive back was a bit lighter, having eaten all of the food. But the food was now replaced with souvenirs. It was time to head on home.
We got out of vacation mode and back into real world mode, and the big question among our friends was “How was it? And how was the drive?” Everyone was surprised at how smoothly our trip went. I went on to tell them how comfortable the trip there and back was, and how good the gas mileage was. I even encouraged them to give it a go and rent a conversion van. Next year we’re planning on a trip across the country and plan on using a conversion van the whole way!