Some of my best memories of bonding with my family when I was a child were from the many vacations we took. Since my dad was a pastor, we often to traveled to wherever the SBC annual conventions were held, so I got to see so many great places across the U.S.

I’m grateful that now my husband and I make vacationing and getting away a priority as well. It might be great to save that money for a new couch or bedroom suite, but the memories we make and the connections we deepen far outweigh any value we might find in kicking up our heels on any new cushions for our keisters!

[Tweet “Always go for the memory over the material in life! #vacation #makememories”]

So in an effort to inspire you and your family to make vacationing a priority, I’d like to share some of the pics my husband and I took on ours. It truly is worth the time, money and energy to revitalize your marriage, as well as your own heart. Now I think I’m at least somewhat ready for the rush and demands of the holidays having taken that time to decompress with my hubby. 😉

By the way, we went through parts of Virginia, but our main destination was Chincoteaque and Assateaque Islands, so that’s what I’m going to start with. But I’ll end up with a few photos from our trek through Lynchburg (to see our son and daughter-in-love) and the Shenandoah National Park before we made it to the coast. I hope I don’t overwhelm you all with the photo roll! Just gotta share!

Day One of Chincoteaque and Assateaque Islands, Virginia

The first thing I did was check out that surf! I do love the ocean. 🙂

We don’t fish, but apparently a lot of tourists and locals do!

The view from our hotel boardwalk on Chincoteaque Island.

Day Two

Can’t you tell? This is the start of an incredible day!

We went on a scenic cruise around the islands to view the wildlife, but as you can see … it was very cold!

The view of the Assateaque Lighthouse from the boat.

Gary captured a great shot with our camera of the birds hanging out, as well as “drying out” their feathers.

We were privileged to catch some of the wild ponies on Assateaque on our cruise. Not every tourist gets that blessing!

Day Three

It was a great day for a bike ride. We explored Assateaque National Park for hours.

Up close and personal to the beautiful lighthouse.

On top of the lighthouse, the park ranger took a shot of the “two” of us for a change. 😉

View from the lighthouse—just spectacular!

We got our work-out, walking up and down more than 170 steps!

Photo worthy view along our bike ride.

Later on day three …

No wonder the birds love this place! Chincoteaque harbor.

Previous days leading up to our island adventure …

Got to visit with our son and his new wife, Sarah, in Lynchburg, Virginia. Such a treat!

Saw this on our way to the Shenandoah National Park—driving up Skyline Parkway.

The view from inside Lewis Mountain Lodge, in the Shenandoah National Park.

Fall colors of Shenandoah.

Gary at one of my favorite vacation spots—Colonial Williamsburg.

Where have you gone on a recent family trip and how did it refuel you as a couple?

What hindrances do you face in making “marriage adventures” a reality in your marriage?

Linking up with friends at – Marriage Mondays, The Weekend Brew, Making Your Home Sing,  Mondays @ Soul Survival,  Sunday Stillness,  Sharing His Beauty, Spiritual Sundays, Words with Winter and  Playdates with God