This week is spring break. Our adult sons (both teachers) have the week off, and my husband has vacation days to use before they expire. So doing something as a family was practically a given. However, there is a newborn in the family and another baby soon to arrive.

These are not exactly times to travel far from home. So, where do eleven—nearly twelve—people go for a short getaway?

The place we chose was free of charge this week. It was also conveniently close, but we had to clean and make the beds. My back didn’t like it that much, but my bank account sure did!

We also had to clean again after the kids all left. But it had just the right number of bedrooms for us. So, we went for it!

We had plenty of space to spread out and didn’t have to worry about keeping the noise down for neighbors. The kitchen was stocked with the basics we needed, and we bought extra groceries and our favorite snacks. And while there wasn’t a pool or a hot tub, the cozy living area and bonus space where we could all gather was just right.

The kids were thrilled with the toys and dress-up costumes available. Grandpa’s “puppy chow” snacks were a big hit too. And the adults stayed up until after midnight hanging out and talking long after the littles were tucked into their portable cribs and cots.

It wasn’t listed on Airbnb or VRBO, but booking the place was a breeze because we’re well-acquainted with the owners. It had all the comforts of home! And we liked it so much that after the kids left, we decided to extend our stay indefinitely.

Our “vacation rental” just happened to already have our name on the mortgage for the last two decades, and our little staycation was the perfect opportunity to get some quality time with our kids and grandkids without having to travel anywhere.

Five stars for the accommodations. Well, three stars if you look at all the maintenance projects these two empty-nest homeowners have let go in favor of hugs and snuggles with five grandchildren. Nothing beats precious little ones who run up the brick walk lugging blankies and stuffies with gleeful shouts of, “Grandma’s house!”

Apparently, they know who really runs the place.