Viva la vacation!

Of all the close-knit families in the world, mine vacations together the least. It has almost become a running joke because my entire childhood we would travel together for weeks at a time, skiing and camping all over the Western United States. Once I turned 18, we never vacationed together again.

For whatever reason -- my move to Utah, a sudden influx of cash, who knows -- the stars aligned and we finally managed to plan a family vacation where all 18 members of my immediate family and their immediate families (got that?) were present.

There was a small amount of back and forth over where this vacation would take place, but ultimately we coincided the vacation with my nephew's lacrosse tournament in San Juan Capistrano, CA.  San Juan Capistrano is a beautiful town in South Orange County that is famous for its mission and the miraculous swallows that return every year. You can Google it.

The San Juan Capistrano mission

Our trip, however, had nothing to do with missions or birds. Our only real goal was to spend as much time together as possible and help the cousins make some memories that will last a lifetime.  Mission accomplished.

Cousins cheering for Zach at the lacrosse tournament. Aidan Zoolandering on the right.

Swimming at the hotel with Tripp underwater. 

Bob and Aidan at the petting zoo. They are six weeks apart and fight over who is taller.

Goofing off at the beach

My older sister and best friend. Growing up I always wanted to look like her. It appears I got my wish.

Sneak peak of the Cummings family Christmas card? We'll see. Photobombed by Tanner.

Robert and Aidan semi-synchronized diving

I'm on a boat...

Treacherous jetty hike 

We rolled deep. 

Grownup dinner for my birthday + Curren

I never forget how much I love my family, but sometimes I forget how much fun we have together. We never stop laughing even -- maybe especially -- at jokes that are only funny to us. On my birthday, we went out to dinner at El Adobe where we reminisced for hours while 13-year-old Zach watched six of the younger cousins back at the hotel. It was one of those sparkly nights where you don't remember much except how good it feels to be surrounded by people you love.

One particularly nice moment was when we went around the table and, in turn, shared the best advice that mom and dad ever gave us. It was funny to listen to my siblings and think, "I remember Dad saying that!" or "Ugh. I must have heard that a million times." My brother Bobby reminded us how dad always used to say, "Someday, all you kids will be gone, but my wife will still be here." This was our reminder growing up that, as much as Dad loved us, he always put my mom first. I'm grateful to have grown up in a house where kids knew their place and Mom was put on a pedestal.

Another amazing moment was when five of the adult siblings and spouses (me, Robert, Amy, David, and John) snuck away for two hours and went stand up paddle boarding. We glided around the harbor, knocking each other off boards and racing to see who was the fastest. At one point, my sister tried to pull me off my paddle board by grabbing my arm, only to realize my copious application of Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen gave her no purchase. At one point, Robert tried to "hang ten" on his stand up paddle board and it shot straight out of the water and land on his head. Injuries aside, it was a highlight of the week and will not soon be forgotten.

Not us, but this picture off Google captures the spirit of the trip nicely. 

In Tripp family tradition, we also spent a couple nights playing board games. Breaking tradition, the men actually won.

My family's ultra competitive streak came out and left my husband gaping us as if he were seeing us for the first time.  Collectively, we are super nice until winning is at stake, and then the gloves come off. I'm happy Robert has finally seen this phenomenon firsthand even if it's not our most attractive quality.

The night before we left, Robert and I went dancing with one of my new friends in LA. We started the night at The Bungalow and then tore up the dance floor at Mom's in Santa Monica. It was an altogether lovely, perfect evening that reminded me once again how wise I was to marry an excellent dancer.

The Bungalow. Highly recommend. 

Guys who dance are the best

My Facebook pen pal and real-life dance buddy

In short, it was a perfect vacation. We surfed, sailed, swam, paddle boarded, shopped, danced, read, and, most of all, enjoyed family. Coming home to Utah felt bittersweet because I know it will likely be months before I see my family again.

But it better not be another fifteen years before our next family vacation.  To be sure, I'm already to planning the 2015 Tripp Family Trip and taking suggestions. Dude ranch? Cruise? Yosemite?

Doesn't really matter so long as it happens!