Tuesday, October 06, 2009

The 33s: Family Vacation Memories

Vacation with mom, dad, brothers:
  1. California - I faintly remember the Matterhorn at Disneyland, and being absolutely terrified by the Abominable Snow Man.
  2. Rio de Janero Airport - Getting lost.
  3. Brazil - Pizza place I ate pizza with corn on it.
  4. South Carolina - I fell in Mall Fountain.
  5. South Carolina - I rode my first Roller Coaster.
  6. Mammoth Cave - Stalactites and Stlagmites.
  7. Mammoth Cave Area - My first waterslide.
  8. The Upper Peninsula - Skipping Rocks on Lake Superior.
  9. The Upper Peninsula - Watching bears eat the trash.
  10. Bear Cave State Park - Multiple Wisler (mom's side) Family retreats.
  11. Chattanooga, TN - Watching Robby play college ball, and riding an Alpine Slide.
  12. Colorado - Rock Climbing (freestyle).
  13. Ludington - First time going and staying at Uncle Rex's Cabin.

    Janelle and Derry Memories:
  14. Honeymoon Palm Springs, CA (2000) - ummm, no comment.
  15. Florida (2001) - Staying at the rattiest hotel ever on the way down.
  16. Disney (2001) - First time taking a picture at a "picture spot" (a tradition that continues to this day).
  17. Chicago (2001) - Thanksgiving Weekend. Blue Man Group, parade, Lincoln Park Zoo. Just the two of us.
  18. Fort Lauderdale (2002) - When we made it a point to not talk about church or ministry related stuff the entire time.
  19. Ludington (2003) - Tipped the Snowmobile and couldn't get it restarted for an hour while we froze to the bone.
  20. California (2003) - Went on the Price Is Right. Janelle's lifelong dream to play Plinko and win big did not pan out.
  21. Disney (2003) - Our official addiction began on this trip. Intentionally running Janelle into a sign while walking toward the Osborne Spectacle of Lights.
  22. Florida (2003) - Getting my bike was stolen on the beach.
  23. Mexican Rivera (2005) - Surprised Janelle with a 5th Anniversary Cruise. Horseback riding along the beaches and ziplining in Puerto Vallarta.
  24. Ludington (2005) - All the Prenkerts together to celebrate mom and dad's 40th.
  25. Las Vegas (2007) - Surprise Spring Break trip for Janelle. Cirque De Soleil - Ka'. Absolutely amazing.
  26. Dewart Lake (2007) - God speaks to both Janelle and I that we need to check into a situation with a 17 year pregnant gal looking to place the child in adoption.
  27. Disney (2007) - On Disney property. Disney Dining Plan. So many conversations about how we are going to parent (we brought Katylynn home 3 weeks after returning from this trip).

    Janelle, Derry, and Katylynn Memories:
  28. Ludington (2008) - Katylynn's first night away from home.
  29. Ludington (2008) - Dad reads to Katylynn (it was also our last time in Ludington with Dad).
  30. Dewart Lake (2008) - Took Katylynn swimming for the first time.
  31. Daytona Beach (2008) - Katylynn's first time on the beach.
  32. Disney (2008) - Katylynn meets Minnie.
  33. Disney (2008) - Katylynn poops in the tub during bathtime.

To most of you reading, this is probably the lamest list of The 33s I've made so far.
For me, it is the best, BY FAR.

The memories outlined above are so much more than just that. They are charished moments with the most incredible gift God has blessed me with, my family. There's something so valuable about getting away from everything else so my undivided attention can be placed on those I love most. It's the one thing I am not afraid to splurge on, because I do not see it as wasted money.

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