Last week, my husband, daughter, and I went on one of the most expensive trips we’ve ever taken. Between the Airbnb and hotel, gas (multiple travel days), food, and experiences, it was a whopping $1,500. That probably doesn’t sound like much in today’s economy, but when we typically only spend $150-$200 on gas and a couple of meals during a trip, to 10x our vacation budget felt significant.

It wasn’t about the budget, nor was this just any trip.

My parents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in March. My mom turned 70 this month. Both beautiful milestones thoroughly worth celebrating. And so we did—all 35 immediate family members—that’s 14 adults and 21 kids.

To make the adventure even more interesting, my dad was taken to the ER the day before everyone headed out of town. He was admitted to the hospital that evening. Heart issues, they said. The enemy was at work, I’m convinced.

Prayers were lifted, and he was released a record-breaking 48 hours later.

He and my mom arrived at our Airbnb just 7.5 hours after check-in. We were relieved. Dad is still healing. The scheduled events could commence! 🎉

To say it was a relaxing, restful week would be inaccurate. Here was our jam-packed schedule:

Monday: A casual evening get-together at our Airbnb, the Mari Stonehouse, in the heart of downtown Lancaster, PA. (I highly recommend this home for its gracious “super” hostesses, as well as its character and charm!)
Tuesday: An optional 45-minute train ride and gift shop at Strasburg Railroad, followed by lunch at Shady Maple Smorgasbord with a “shopportunity,” as I call it, at the gift shop in the venue’s basement, a great way to walk off some calories.
Wednesday: Browsing and photo ops at Kitchen Kettle Village, followed by Joshua at Sight & Sound Theater and dinner at Freddy’s. (We attempted Down on the Farm Creamery, but they weren’t serving food, just sweets. Their petting farm gets five stars!)
Thursday: A day at Strasburg Jaycee Park playing baseball, kickball, and whiffle ball, complete with bubbles and rocket launchers; lunch at Cracker Barrel. Afternoon shopping at Tanger Outlets Lancaster.
Friday: Breakfast at Gracie’s and tearful goodbyes.

My brain plays tricks on me. A second ago, my siblings and I were the kids at the reunions. Now, we’re our parents; we’re not the kids anymore. Maturity doesn’t always come with age.

One of my younger nephews is following in my footsteps. And nope, he’s not an author; “class clown” is his title. I’m so proud of him. He doesn’t know his role…yet.

Photo Cred: One of my many sisters…not sure which one

My sister-in-law is an influencer. (I don’t make reels—only watch them—but maybe I should branch out.) She created these videos: Love Birds and Cousin Fun.

That $1,500 didn't buy us an Airbnb, Sight & Sound tickets, and a smorgasbord lunch. It bought us five days where none of us had anywhere else to be. It bought us 35 people residing in the same town, watching my dad walk through the door 48 hours after we didn't know if he'd get to come at all. No receipt has a line item for that kind of relief, or that kind of joy.

Time is precious.
Time with loved ones is priceless.
The latter is well worth the investment.

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Stories by Jess

The Reunion We Almost Didn't Have