Like many moms, I struggle with time management and feeling accomplished at the end of a long, hard day. Being a mother is truly an around the clock job and at times we function on auto-pilot because we are so worn down from everything vying for our attention. And if we aren’t careful y’all, we let the moments that matter most slip right through our fingers.
I know, because I’m guilty.
Gah, as much as that stings, it’s the truth.
This summer has been full of eye-opening truths for me. It all started during an almost two-week stay in France, away from my family. My time in France was incredibly busy, but different from the busy I experience here at home. I had 11 days where I had no one asking me to do anything. 11 days I didn’t have to cook dinner. 11 days I didn’t have to wash or fold clothes. 11 days I didn’t have to clean up spills or wash dishes. 11 whole days to just be me.
11 days!
And what I learned during those 11 days was that I love being mom to my three children. I missed their requests for help. I missed hugging and kissing them. I missed hearing their laughter and their sweet little voices. I missed being mommy.
After experiencing France, I vowed to show my children as much as I could of this beautiful world we live in. Whether it be in the woods in our backyard, or destinations around the globe, I want them to experience everything they can. And we are off to a great start. We went on a Carnival Cruise this summer where we toured a plantation in Jamaica and ate some of the tastiest bananas, visited the Cayman Islands, and swam with dolphins in Cozumel.
It’s unrealistic to think I can take my family on these grand vacations each month, but it is realistic to go and explore places in close proximity to our home.
A couple of weekends ago we all packed up and headed towards Houston with no clear itinerary in mind. We knew we were staying at Hotel Icon, and we had City Passes to explore the city, but instead of being rushed and hanging on to every tick of the clock, we just took it one step at a time and let the kids lead.
We arrived at Kemah Boardwalk, and the children were so excited. This is one of those places that I knew existed, but never took my children to. You know, because life got in the way. What I learned while in Kemah with my family was that life is going to happen and it’s up to me to make sure I don’t let it weigh me down. It’s easy wallow in the ‘poor me’ mentality, but the truth is, it doesn’t do anyone any good.
The Kemah Boardwalk is a 60-acre entertainment destination in the small city of Kemah, just 30 miles southeast of Downtown Houston. With amusement rides, waterfront dining, and shopping, it’s a family-friendly destination that offers something for everyone.
The double-decker carousel provides a nice, relaxing ride that provides a unique view of the boardwalk. It doesn’t matter how old you are, carousels are just fun.
It was so much fun watching the “baby” of the family ride all the rides. Since he was just at 48 inches tall, he was able to ride all of the rides on the boardwalk. And you can tell by his little, sweet smile, he was having the time of his life.
The kids are still talking about all the fun rides and our time together. I know soon enough that time spent with mom and dad isn’t going to be very “cool” so I’m going to enjoy it while I can.
Have you ever been to Kemah?
robyn says
We haven’t been to Kemah but it sounds like a place my family would really enjoy. We love those sorts of days together!
Daisy says
We’ve been to Kemah. My son calls it the “fun zone”. I have no idea where he came up with that name, but I guess that it’s true that it is a fun zone. We visited the aquarium to feed stingrays, went on the Beast boat ride, and did several of the rides. So much fun!
Penelope Guzman says
I haven’t been there, but I agree with making more fun moments, I do miss over too many by not being in the moment at all, even if I’m right there 🙁
Mel Outnumbered says
Looks like a great time! Life is so short, always make time for fun!
Shop with Me Mama (Kim) says
I have never been there, but looks like so much fun! I love the picture of the dolphin! So cute!
Yoly says
What a great summer you had. Going to France is on my bucket list!
Michelle says
This sounds like a great place to take the family and make some memories!
Kimberly Grabinski says
I have never been there but I love your new philosophy to get out and just enjoy life. We have so many places around here I should take my kids.
Nina Say says
I have never been to Texas, crazy right?? I would love to visit there, though, it looks like a lot of fun.
Emily says
What a cool place. We’ve not been nor heard of it. I love that picture of your husband and son!! Also I love that the time off you got helped to refresh you as a mom. I could use time like that. You are a wonderful mom!!
Crystal Green says
I’ve never heard of this place before. It looks like a great place to go.
I have to admit I wonder I miss out on to many of those special moments because of being to busy.
Jenn says
It sounds like you had a fun filled summer. Kemah looks like fun, too!
Dayna @ Lemon Lime Adventures says
I have never been to Kemah but it looks like a blast! I love your images too!
Audrey at Barking Mad! says
We did one huge vacation this summer whereas normally we take several little 3-4 day trips during the summer, but because last year it was pretty overwhelming and to be honest, exhausting, and because my hubby’s been traveling all the time this summer, we have been doing several day trips and exploring local places that I never even knew were here. It’s actually been a lot of fun and I don’t feel so stressed to have to be supermom and be everywhere and go everywhere.
When I was on the air down in Houston at KHMX, we broadcast from Kemah a couple of times and it was a lot of fun!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids says
I’ve never been to Kemah but it looks beautiful and fun. I, like you, am guilty about just going through the motions every day. This definitely makes me realize that I need to stop and take advantage of every moment!
Ty says
I’ve personally never been there, but it looks like a place my family would enjoy!
Valerie Remy-Milora says
What a fabulous summer but more so what a wonderful way to look at life and to BE. It’s so easy to get caught up in all the stuff that begs for our attention, big stuff and tiny stuff and forget to just BE. BE in the moment and soak it all up… I love being able to do that and it’s such a joy to read your post today and get caught up in YOUR joy! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already says
Oh what a fun time to be had! And to kiss a dolphin?! I would so love to spend time with them in the water. I miss fun family adventures like this. We’ve been so consumed with sports and camping this year just flew by.
Kathleen says
I’ve never been there, but it sure does look like fun. I know what you mean about missing being a mom. I just came back from 9 days in Louisiana alone, and after being with the boys non-stop on our 70 day road trip, I missed being away from them so much!
Kelsey Apley says
That looks like such a fun trip! I love the dolphin picture!!! If we ever vacation that way, I will have to check out some of the places!
Liz Mays says
Nope, I’ve never been there, but you sure make it look like fun. I”m not sure I’ve even been to Houston at all.
Colleen says
I’ve never heard of it but looks like fun. I like your attitude I need to adjust mine a little. I’m feeling very overwhelmed lately.
Robin Gagnon says
Looks like such a fun spot, you can see the joy on their faces.
Ricardo Escalante says
Can somebody tell me where I can call 📞 or website that could give hours and maybe any summer specials 😊
Crystal says
Hi Ricardo,
I found this number for the Kemah Boardwalk: 877-AT-KEMAH. This link should be able to give you a little more information about hours and such: http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/visitor-info.asp. The only specials I know of, is if you purchase the City Pass, which offers discounted entry into different family-friendly locations in Houston. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance, Ricardo.
Thanks for stopping by!