Vacation…a time to get away…to escape the normal, busy, everyday life for just a short period of time. In having a conversation with one of my friends, we were discussing family vacations and how do you make the best of each vacation?
Growing up most of our family vacations were spent camping, always having the best time. The 1st thing that my brother and I would do…jump on our bikes and ride around, looking for other kids we were going to hang out with for the week. I can honestly say I had the best time and can remember every single trip we took.
I remember the time we went bridge jumping into the river, (I better not hear of my kids doing this). I remember the time my Grandmother came with us and it rained the entire week. We had to cram into our camper, because our tent was flooded with several inches of water. I remember the time we took a 14 hour trip to Vermont and went to half of the Ben and Jerry’s ice cream stores and bought a Vermont Teddy Bear straight from the Factory for my now beautiful wife. I remember the fist time my wife went camping with us, while in college, and we went on a canoe trip and how afraid she was that we were going to tip. She was terrified she would fall in the water with the fish (she dislikes them very much).
Growing up, vacations were simple yet sweet. We would spend time together without worrying about what was going on back home. We would talk to each other and make dinner with each other around the camp fire. We would make the best of our vacations…we would make memories. Memories that would last.
Today, we do not do much camping…but we still try to make memories for our children. I love taking the kids to the beach and watching them make sand forts. I love taking them on long bike rides down to the docks to get ice cream and watch family’s fishing off the pier. I love how they all try to cram into one room for a giant “sleep over.”
Making the best of each vacation does not have to involve a lot of money. Instead of trying to “buy” your kids the best vacation, try to “make” the best of each vacation. Make memories with them. Laugh with them, hold their hands and tell them “This is my favorite vacation yet.” Your kids will be happy with what you are able to provide them with, because they get to spent it with you.
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