The boys, soaking up their very first ocean view.
As much as we need structure, consistency and a schedule to operate at our very best as a family: all four of us get anxious for adventure. We are a family on the move. We like to visit new places, experience new things and break the monotony of our everyday lives. Which is why we are strong advocates of the staycation getaway! Rather than plan a big family vacation this summer, we have decided on a handful of local staycation adventures. There are so many reasons why staycations work for our family right now!
More Affordable: Forgoing the cost of airfare, baggage fees, car rental and all other expenses that come along with traveling long distances.
Little Prep: I dread packing! It’s THE worst! When we go on a staycation, I love being able to throw a bag together last minute with just the things we’ll need for the next few days.
Minimal Travel: Traveling with young children is never a ton of fun in our family. So keeping our travel time to a minimum is always a safe bet for a happier experience.
Relax and Recharge: Staycations have given our family just the right amount of time to get away from the obligations and responsibility of real life and recharge our batteries. We each make an added effort to be fully present for one another and soak in all the memories we are making with the people we love most.
Sometimes getting away from real life helps remind us what matters most. We recently had the opportunity to relax and recharge at the Embassy Suites by Hilton™ at San Diego Bay Downtown. We had an absolute blast! Guys: every single room at this hotel is a 2-room suite! I can’t tell you how amazing this was for Ben and me to truly get the most out of our getaway. So often it can feel like our trips are only about the kids–but having our own space during our stay gave us the opportunity to relax too! We had our own master suite and the kids had their own space (and their own TV) in the living room. The hotel room was bigger than our first apartment together when we got married, lol. 
Our suite also had a microwave, a mini-fridge and a wet bar area
! So we were sure to pack some food and drinks for our picky eaters because there was a place to store and prepare them–so convenient! 
First thing on our agenda when we arrived: the pool! We don’t have a pool at home and the boys always look forward to swimming their hearts out when we stay at a hotel. I headed to the hotel gift shop and picked up some shark shaped goggles and they spent the afternoon swimming and laughing. 
And picking wedgies! 
After swim time, we came back up to the room and the boys took a hot bubble bath in the most massive tub I’ve ever seen! We got dressed in our cozy sweats and went exploring outside the hotel. The Embassy Suites at San Diego Bay is located right in the heart of downtown San Diego–across the street from the ocean and walking distance to tons of shops and restaurants. 
After exploration and a pizza dinner, we headed back to the hotel. There was actually a Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin Donuts inside the hotel, so obviously the kids had donuts for dessert! The hotel offers complimentary drinks and snacks in their reception area every evening to help families relax, unwind and connect. 
The view from our room at dusk was absolutely breathtaking! 
The next morning we woke up early to prepare for a day of adventure at LEGOLAND. We headed down to the reception area to fill our bellies with a warm breakfast. Eggs, potatoes, fruit, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, sausage, bacon: you name it, they had it. And it was free! Every morning, complimentary made-to-order breakfast! It was such a relief as a Mom to not need to plan breakfasts every morning – not to mention the money we saved! 
LEGOLAND was only a short drive from our hotel so we decided to make a day of it since the boys are obsessed with all things Lego. We had an amazing time! 
At the end of an exhausting day it felt so good to come back to our relaxing suite. This time we bring our snacks and drinks up to the room and watched the sun set from our balcony and window. We took a moment to remind the boys about how blessed they are, and about the importance of giving thanks for the little and big opportunities and experiences we are given in this life (and on this staycation). Then we snuggled into bed and drifted off to sleep. 
The next morning the kiddos slept in while Ben headed downstairs to fill up trays with breakfast and bring them back to room for a fun last morning of breakfast-in-bed. The boys thought that was pretty cool! 
Wes with leftover green face paint from the day before. 
Our last day in San Diego happened to be Memorial Day, which was extra special because our room had a view of the infamous USS Midway, which was all decorated in honor of those who have defended our freedom. 
So often our vacations end up more stress than the trip is worth. But our staycation at Embassy Suites was an absolute pleasure. I felt like so many of our needs as a family were anticipated and met by the hotel’s accommodations. Any trip that allows me to take a break from some of my responsibilities is my kind of vacation! I am so grateful that Embassy Suites by Hilton™ selected our family for this experience–and you bet will be back for another visit soon!
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