Saturday, August 11, 2012

A Big Smile for the Road!

Like the Cheshire Cat, I have every reason to smile wide today - 'cause, Lord willing, we're on our way to Disneyland!

Yes, we had thought to go to Disneyland back in June, but things just didn't feel right and it turned out for the best that we didn't go. But we're giving it another try now - one more family vacation to end the summer with a bang! I don't know where the Lord will lead me in the days and months and years to come, but wherever it might be I know that things won't quite be the same as they've been during my school years, so this is kind of a bittersweet send-off to my carefree summer (the one between graduation and the rest of my life, so to speak). With God's guidance, I hope that this upcoming season will find me working for Him, wherever that might be and whatever that might entail. =)

For now, I've got a couple of books and a Kindle to keep me company down South and back, and a few days of magical fun in the sun - so I'm planning to enjoy it! 

I know I've been remiss in updating ya'll on my summer happenings... So far I've done alright with book reviewing this month, but I haven't posted any more about our Sunriver vacation or my driving experiences. I'll just cut to the chase and say that: my time with family was/is a blast; I always love Sunriver, Oregon (it's a beautiful place to be!); my uncle Andy let me practice driving in his big red diesel truck (which was pretty awesome, and we survived!); I finished my last official driving lesson (my instructor was great, and her advice about parallel parking was super helpful); and I have yet to take my driver's test (hopefully that will eventually happen). So there you go! ;)

I'm sorry I haven't had more Driving Diary posts or more vacation posts. We'll see what I end up posting in the coming weeks! I do know that the annual "End of Summer Bash" is planned for that first week in September (the 3rd through the 8th), so keep that in mind! I'm excited about the author interviews and giveaways - it should be lots of fun! 

How has summer been treating you? Are you fitting in some family-fun time this month?

10 comments:

Michelle said...

Your summer sounds like it's been delightful! So glad that you're enjoying family, and thoughts of the future, and where the Lord might lead you. Glad to hear that your driving is going well. : )

And you know, I'm just a wee bit jealous that you're going to favorite place on earth!! But hopefully we'll be able to go during Christmas break, if the funds allow. : )

I pray that you and your family have the best time, Amber! But how could you not . . . it's DISNEYLAND! The Happiest Place on Earth! Makes me happy just thinking about it! I went several times as a kid, plus hubby and I went there for our honeymoon, and we go just about every other year with our kids. We just LOVE it! :D

And that is the cutest picture next to the Cheshire cat! Can you believe in all the times we've been, we haven't taken a picture in that spot. We'll definitely do that on our next visit! :D

Blessings and safe travels!
Michelle

P.S. If you'll be traveling down HWY 99, think of me as you pass through the central valley. ;-)

Amber Holcomb said...

Michelle,

Thank you so much for the sweet thoughts! And I hope you can go to Disneyland over Christmas break - that's such a fun time of year to go! :) That's awesome that you're such a big fan - isn't it just a great place??

I heard that my mom was talking with someone the other day about our upcoming trip, and the guy said, "Aren't your kids a bit old to be going to Disneyland?" And my mom responded, "It's not for them; it's for me!" ;) LOL! We all have a great time, I think! My dad loves the breakfasts at the Carnation Cafe on Main Street, and I love their new World of Color nighttime water show, etc., etc. So much fun! :)

And it makes me smile to know that you recognized the spot with the Cheshire Cat!! :D We had that picture taken last year. :)

Thank you again for your comment!

~Amber

P.S. Sometime tomorrow afternoon, imagine me waving to you and sending a big smile your way! :) I hope we get to meet in person someday!

Anonymous said...

All the best for this vacation and your future endeavors, Amber.

Julia said...

My daughter was looking through brochures for Disneyland just today! Enjoy! We did a swap with other homeschooling families so we got some fun stuff form California and other places.

Enjoy the final days of summer. And good luck on that test, it took me three tries to pass mine but now driving is second nature. You'll be a great driver I'll bet.

I look forward to seeing what comes next in your journey.

Amber Holcomb said...

Julia,

Oh, cool! :) I'm definitely excited to be here!

And thanks so much for all the kind words!! I appreciate your support!

~Amber

bookgirl said...

Wow! It must be so great to go to Disneyland. I live in Australia, so I will probably never go there.

I hope you enjoy the holiday!

Amanda Stanley said...

Gosh, I am so late to this post, you might already be back home by now! Either way, I'm praying you have a WONDERFUL time with your dear family, my friend!!!

Isn't it so cool to be behind the wheel of a diesel truck?! My daddy has 2 for the business and one of the first times he took me out driving (before even my permit, mind you) was in one in a deserted parking lot. Praise the Lord it was deserted because a F350 with an 8' bed is not something you want barreling towards you with a kid behind the wheel, lol! We survived, too ;) but I did almost crash into the woods that lined one side of this parking lot! Evidently a truck takes a little more pressure on the brake to stop than I thought, lol! I'm happy you had fun! :) Praying the Lord will guide you through your driver's test whenever you take it. I know you're gonna do great! :)

You're right, this summer is like a turning point for you, but I know the Lord has a great plan for your life, dear friend, and will guide your steps. Praying you joy, peace and strength for whatever path He has laid out for you :)

Looking forward to that End of Summer Bash! Talk to you soon, dear Amber!

Blessings,
Amanda

Amber Holcomb said...

Anonymous,

Your comment initially went to "spam" for some reason - I'm sorry about that! Thank you very much for your kind words!! :)

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Bookgirl,

Disneyland is definitely a fun place to go - although it involves a lot of walking and (in the summer) a lot of heat! But it's a great place to make family memories, from the rides to the dining to the whole festive atmosphere. :)

I hope whatever your plans are for this season that you have a wonderful time! :) Thank you for stopping by!

~Amber

Amber Holcomb said...

Amanda,

No worries - we didn't get back home until yesterday evening! :) Thank you for your sweet comment and prayers!

Hahaha, yes, diesel trucks offer quite the driving experience! And yay for empty parking lots, right?? ;)

I really, really appreciate your prayers and encouragement, my friend! God has blessed me so much with dear friends and family by my side through this transition time!!

And I'm looking forward to the End of Summer Bash, too! I've received a few author's interview responses back, and I'm already excited to share them with ya'll! It's going to be a blast! :)

~Amber