See the Good Getaways
Posted September 23, 2011
ANTICIPATION. EXCITEMENT. Planning. Packing. It can only mean one thing… vacation time! For most people, those few days right before a big vacation always seem to be the longest days of the year. People can hardly wait to gather up their things and take a trip to get away from their busy and hectic lives. Here at See The Good, we know that vacation is more than just time away from the hustle and bustle. It is a special way for families and friends to spend quality time together and make unforgettable memories. From action-packed vacations like zip lining in Costa Rica, to relaxing getaways at the beach, to educational trips to national monuments, we’ve covered them all. Just click on a photo to dive into a mini vacation right from where you’re sitting, and share the experiences of some of the vacations submitted by Regions associates.
Click a photo to see it bigger and read more about it:
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Josh and Kyle, sons of Chris Savage, wash off their sandy feet after playing on the beach in Gulf Shores, Ala. One thing Chris Savage enjoys about vacation is, “Just being able to focus on our family without the distractions of our busy schedules at home.” While enjoying time with his family, Chris was able to see the good in his vacation through, “The laughter of the boys over something silly, their excitement on the beaches, the beauty of the sunsets, and the quiet times in the evenings on the deck of our vacation home with my wife.” These are all of the little things that add up that “reminded me of what I’m working for,” says Chris.
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Dawn Reprogel took a road trip with her family from Florida to Montana with multiple stops and sightseeing along the way, including Mount Rushmore. For Dawn, this vacation was not only, “An opportunity to see some of our country’s national monuments and share unique experiences, but also an opportunity to have quality time with my children and get to know them better.” Dawn says, “In our everyday lives I think I miss out on a lot with my children. This vacation allowed me to take the time to talk to my kids, which I feel ultimately brought me closer to my children and created a stronger bond.”
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Virginia Lee Mandell and her husband David took an adventurous zip-line tour over the rain forest of Costa Rica. Although Virginia says, “Zip-lining is exhilarating, and flying above the rain forest canopy is an unbelievable experience,” being surrounded by a new culture and environment is what gave her an appreciation for the way people live in other countries. She couldn’t help but notice how the people of Costa Rica go out of their way to welcome visitors and share their philosophy of Pura Vida, which literally translates to “Pure Life.” While the phrase sounds simple enough, it is something, “That must be experienced first hand to be understood,” Virginia says.
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Latonya Dixon and her family spent their summer vacation in Orlando, Fla., visiting both Universal Studios and Disney World theme parks. For Latonya and her family, vacation is more than roller coasters and park adventures. For them, Latonya says, “Vacations help us to get refocused and bring us back to what is truly important to us: family time.” She mentions that her family is so involved throughout the year with church, work, and day-to-day activities that they sometimes become consumed by these ongoing responsibilities. Their annual vacation helps them appreciate and cherish every moment with each other.
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Aubrey, eight-year-old granddaughter of Sue Boyd, chases the birds on the beaches of Gulf Shores, Ala. Sue says that she and her family have been taking their four grandchildren to the beach since they were born. Over the years, Sue says, “We have made wonderful memories with them, and hopefully, for them.” Between the time spent with both her daughter and her four grandchildren, Sue was able, “To see the good in life through their eyes and feel the good of life with their happiness.”
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Dianne McCormick’s grandsons, ages four and seven years old, took a brave jump off a 20-foot cliff during a break on their North Carolina rafting trip. Some families choose to center their vacation on relaxing and just taking it easy, but for Dianne McCormick’s family, they decided to take an adventurous and exhilarating rafting trip. But even amidst all the action, they still found time for each other Dianne says. Not only did she make amazing memories, but she also found inspiration from the courage and bravery displayed by her grandsons jumping off the cliff. “These young men have no fear and jumped out on faith. That is what we all need to do sometimes,” observes Dianne.
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Pictured above is Jake, son of Courtney Childress, getting to hold a baby monkey at the Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari in Gentry, Ark. It is the simple joys and experiences, like knowing her son will never forget holding a little, baby monkey, that made this vacation extra special for Courtney. “This vacation reminded me of how important good family time is,” says Courtney. Looking back on this moment and all the excellent memories they had, Courtney reminds, “Life is short; tomorrow is not promised; so find the good with your family and make memories everyday.”
comments (10)
Times like these are so important. We must remember to put family first. As we all know, tomorrow is not promised to us, so we must take time to live, laugh and love each other.
Ms. PamGreat vacation pictures. The scenery on them is beautiful. I agree 100% with Ms. Pam.
Elise AndersonThank you all for sharing. It is truly a blessing to be able to go on a vacation and enjoy your family.
Ms.DotTaking time to recharge your soul with a vacation and your career will be more productive too.
Elizabeth PastoreI agree with all the other comments. I wouldn't know what a real vacation would be like, the only vacation I ever get is my husband's side family reunion. ha ha. Enjoy your time with your family.
JanetHaving a daugher who has been married to a Costa Rican for 14 years and has lived in Costa Rica for the last six years, I really enjoyed the Mandell's account. Pura Vida is how my two grandchildren are growing up and I love visiting there and being in such an ecological paradise among some of the happiest people on the planet.
Liliana GripThese are the "little" things we tend to forget..
Jess S.It is really refreshing to see these pictures and to see how fun vactioning with family can be.
Mr. BarnesFamily time is very important. You draw strength, joy and closeness from each other.
Vickie CarrolI love these Family Vacation Pictures. My first and only child is almost one year old and I cannot wait until we take our first vacation as a family.
Lola Baskerville