As the kids head back to school, I find myself reflecting on what a wonderful summer we had. This year, we spent a lot of time at the beach, and the boys had the thrill of learning how to surf. At just 6 and 9 years old, they took to the waves like naturals – standing up and riding them from the first try! It was such a proud moment for me as a parent, especially since I’m still learning the ropes of boogie boarding myself, thanks to their patient instruction!
While summer is traditionally a time for long vacations and getting away, for us at Clear Property Inspections, it’s also our busiest season. Our clients are incredibly important to us, so taking a full week off isn’t really an option. But, as any parent knows, it’s crucial to strike a balance between work and family time, especially when the kids are on school break. That’s why we’ve embraced the concept of staycations.
We’re fortunate to have so many great hotels nearby, which makes it easy to plan a quick weekend getaway. We look for places with waterslide parks or activities that the boys will love, so everyone can have a good time. It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge with minimal travel, whilst still having a change of scenery, and we’re able to return to work on Monday feeling refreshed and ready to go.
This summer, we decided to stay at the Gaylord Palms Resort. If you haven’t been, I can’t recommend it enough! We chose it because of the boys’ love for water activities and surfing – Gaylord Palms offers a simulated wave pool called FlowRider, where they could continue to hone their skills. The resort also features a 3-acre Cypress Springs Water Park with seven exciting water slides and an “action river” – perfect for our boys who could rival the Duracell Bunny with their energy – a “lazy river” wouldn’t cut it!
For Matt and me, it was a perfect getaway as well. We enjoyed relaxing on the daybeds, taking advantage of the private cabanas, and indulging in some amazing food from the resort’s restaurants. It was the ideal way to unwind, spend quality time with the boys, and recharge before diving back into the busy workweek with full focus on delivering exceptional quality to our clients.
So, did you manage to sneak in any trips over the summer? If your summer season is as busy as ours, I’d definitely suggest considering a staycation. It’s a great way to enjoy a break without the stress of extensive planning or travel. And if you’ve discovered any hidden gems or have staycation tips of your own, I’d love to hear about them!
Here’s to balancing work, family, and a little fun in the sun!