Every year since I was born, my dad’s side of the family (I’m talking grandparents, aunts, uncle, and cousins) have taken a week-long family vacation. We pack up the car with coolers, beach towels and suitcases headed in the direction of the chosen location for the year. I absolutely love the time I get to spend doing absolutely nothing with my favorite people. Here are just a few things I am grateful for.

1. Music.

Every boat ride has to be accompanied by a good playlist, right?

2. Salads not prepared from a bag.

Okay, I’m not just grateful for fresh produce. In my opinion there is nothing better than everyone gathered around with a great meal on the table. I am extremely grateful that I don’t have to be in charge of my own dinner for the week, but also that there is something magical that happens when preparing a meal together.

3. Not having a schedule for seven days straight

Sleeping in, not having any commitments the next day. Telling time by the sun just got better, because on vacation there is no time but island time.

4. Sunshine.

Maybe it’s not sunshine itself, but actually having the time to soak up some rays and maybe get a little tan.

5. Wi-fi.

I am one who likes to disconnect and not be completely glued to an electronic device, living without wi-fi for the summer makes the glorious thing that is 24-hour internet service that much sweeter.

6. Iced coffee.

Although I drink coffee on a daily basis, somehow drinking it in a different town makes it better. Even if it’s a sub-par latte, half of the fun is searching for the local coffee joint with half the town lined up to place an order.

7. Sleep.

Enough said.

8. Family.

Spending time with family is obviously the highlight of vacation for me. I love watching movies with my cousins, making dinner with my grandparents and hearing the adults laugh around the dinner table. I love the fact that I get to have a week-long sleepover with my sister. After being in a different location for so long, there is no place I would rather be than with my family for an entire week, doing nothing but hanging in the sunshine.

Vacation should be a break from the "real world." It should be a time when the only concern is if there is enough sunscreen to last the day's activities. There is nothing sweeter than spending time with family and having nowhere to be but in the sun and by the lake.