Summertime means vacations, staycations and for the most part a more relaxing time of year. Well, OK, not so much relaxing as a little more laid back with the kids home from school and no running around like chickens with your head cut off each morning. Mostly.
If you’ve been reading me recently, you’ll know that we went on an amazing (albeit very long) road trip, driving from Pennsylvania to visit family and friends in Washington State. The long hours on the road were worth it:
Especially since we were able to spend some quality time with my brother and his wife, among other family members as well. The kids love their Uncle Mike and Aunt Roxann:
Princess Nagger had fun being a monkey with one of her cousins:
She had so much fun hanging out with her cousins we rarely had a chance to see them, as they were off in other parts of the house causing mischief. We were able to snag a picture when they surfaced for snacks, though, of Princess Nagger with her cousins and one of their friends:
It was a sad day when we had to leave them all behind to start the long drive back to Pennsylvania, but since we’re planning on moving back next summer, the sadness will be short-lived. Between now and then, however, we’ll be relying heavily on:
Skype makes the distance not so distant, because having a video chat with loved ones makes you feel like you’re sitting right there in the room with them. I know Princess Nagger will be relying on Skype to keep her close relationship with her cousins at the forefront before moving back there to hang out with them in person. Just like I will be to keep closely connected with my family and friends so they won’t feel like they’re so far away.
Princess Nagger has also requested that I be sure I connect with her on Skype while I’m at BlogHer this year – especially since this will be the first time in all her 9 years that I’ve left her to fend for herself with Dada. He’s in for a rude awakening when he realizes how much work goes into taking care of kids 24/7 solo. I’m looking forward to his education. (And yes, I typed that last part grinning and giggling the whole time).
Mom Central recently surveyed 1,200 moms to find out how technology brings them closer together with friends and family. 92% of the moms surveyed said that they love being able to connect with family members anytime through technology like Skype. Do you find yourself in that majority?
What’s your favorite way of keeping in touch with loved ones?
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Note: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating. All opinions are mine and not influenced by outside sources. See my Disclosure Policy here.
We use Skype when Nick is out of town to let the boys talk to him–it’s way better than just a phone call.
VandyJ would like you to read ..Reunions and Good Times
Oh thank you for leaving this on my linky because as it says give-aways AND reviews and this is one helleva review! I had so much fun reading about you and yours fun. Great photos too. So you’re moving back there next year?? Is that what you meant? OH my, but all that work you did on your house… goodness. Well, that was just a practice run right? Thanks for sharing so much! Great photography too. I wish I could learn to photoshop like that. Is it hard? Well hugs to the kiddies and glad you’re home safe & sound!
It’s magnificent that you’ve embraced Skype so well, Stacy!
I use it to keep in touch with family in England who I used to be extraordinarily close with. It’s just wonderful how technology is bringing people together in such innovative ways!
I love Skype, Stacey and agree that it’s ability to bring families and loved ones closer together really rivals and other modern, technological advancement that comes to mind.
You know what else is great – it’s free. More accurately, they’ve kept it free! As soon as it took off they could have easily whacked a membership fee on it on put limitations on it’s use. I think it’s wonderful that is remains the best, free VOIP option to call family and friends!
Here’s hoping you had a wonderful Christmas!