Can we just talk about something for a minute? Something I can’t really seem to wrap my head around? I have a ten year old. TEN. As in double digits. As in, hardly a kid and almost in college. As in, how did time really go by so quickly?!
When we get to hold a bundle of new life for the first time, something changes. The orchestra of our world is infused with the chords of something completely new and different and the harmonies that pour out of that union are so sweet. Learning the rhythm of that new life takes a little time, but what’s amazing is that we get to be the lucky ones to love them for the rest of their lives.
My daughter, the precious first-born who made me a mama and completely rocked the tune of our home, had a birthday recently and we took her to celebrate overnight with a friend. Our family absolutely loves travel, and though this was more of a “staycation” or semi-local trip since Orlando is pretty much in our backyard and only requires a quick 2 hour road trip, we still wanted the feeling of being away from home. Instead of a party within our four walls, we opted to take play hooky with school (okay, full-disclosure, there was a teacher prep day, so they had a day off!), and head to a resort with so much built-in fun, this mama was actually able to relax a bit, and with four kids of my own and an extra friend with us, that is a pretty amazing thing in itself. 
Our girl is adventurous, daring, generous, caring, determined and so unbelievably social… so we wanted to create an experience that fit her just right! This past summer, while she was away with the grandparents for a few weeks, we took the boys for a much needed family-style babymoon to this water wonderland at Omni Resort Orlando at ChampionsGate, and just knew we had to come back with our girl. The water slide, the lazy river, the splash pad and hot tub… it was all calling our name. Along with the fire pit for s’mores and game room. Maybe someday I’ll head back for the spa, but for this trip, this time of celebrating our girl and her life, an amazing addition to our world, I was happy with floating along the sidelines and lounging by the pool watching. Taking it all in, with deep appreciative breaths, is my thing lately.
As the evening hours rolled in bringing the cloak of dark skies, we headed out for a celebratory dinner (with 7 eateries on site, there is plenty to choose from) and returned to the fire pit for a round of Happy Birthday over the sweetness of s’mores. In fact, it was two full days of sweetness. Hot cocoa delivered to the door in the morning, gelato from the sweet shop (so good!), sugar-sand art crafting in the kid’s center and more. But to me, a celebration of life is worth every little drop of sweetness.
My girl knew this time, this trip away yet not so far away, was all about her. It was for her, celebrating her. Yet through it all, we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Happy tenth to my sweet girl. I’m the lucky one that get’s to love her forever.
Thank you Omni Orlando for having us! We stay at Omni properties often and love this one, and in full disclosure, this stay was a gift from our friends at Omni Resort Orlando at ChampionsGate.
Madi says
This looks like SUCH a fun trip. We recently took my little girl to Hawaii and it was so fun!
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Maria says
I never would have thought of this place for a family vaca! Thank you for sharing. My kids will love it!
Lexi says
Oh my goodness, what a fun trip! Your photos are SO adorable.
Taylor Pilk says
This place looks sooo relaxing! Glad y’all had a great time x
Jessic says
Looks like such a fun trip! What a beautiful resort.
Fawn says
Wow what a beautiful trip you guys had looks like it was a blast!
Krista Nile says
Living vicariously through you and wishing I was there!!
Samantha Kuzyk says
That looks like such a fabulous resort to stay at! What a fun family spot!
Anna says
This looks like such a fun trip! The Omni looks beautiful! I didn’t know they have a lazy river. So cool!
Tia | Pennies In My Pocket says
This looks like it was such a blast. What a great way to celebrate your daughter’s tenth birthday. I hope to be able to provide my children with memorable moments like this one day.
chanel says
this resort looks amazing! Love how much fun everyone is having. What a special trip for your family!
Beth Newcomb says
What a fantastic birthday trip! It looks like everyone had a blast! Staycations are always so wonderful! Happy Belated Birthday to your girl. I truly can’t believe how quickly the time is moving and I don’t know how my firstborn is already 3! I bet 10 is just around the corner!
Katie says
What beautiful photos! It looks like your family had a great time and that hotel looked absolutely wonderful!
Kristeena says
This looks like so much fun and your photos are beautiful! Will need to check out that hotel next time we visit Orlando!
Eryka says
Looks amazing! I stayed at Omni Amelia Island
jessica says
This vacation looks like it was amazing! Your photos are stunning! How fun!
Amber Starr says
What a fun getaway! The resort looks gorgeous and I loved the photos!
ashley houston says
Looks like so much fun!
lindsay says
I love the idea of a staycation… your trip looked like it was a great time! and beautiful photos!
Leslie says
Looks like so much fun!