I'm a believer in an annual family vacation. I've already mentioned the fact that we had the good fortune of enjoying an annual family vacation to California most summers because of the generosity of Rick's grandmother in providing the housing (which is always the most expensive part, right?) Some years we didn't go out of state or couldn't afford to go far, but we still took a family vacation. Rick would save up his paid time off and off we'd go. We've been all over our state with friends and family and it's been wonderful. We've seen a ton of sights and enjoyed the National Parks in our great state of Utah and beyond.
Some trips didn't cost much at all. We bought a huge family size tent and we went on different camping adventures with our friends the Philipps and their family. We also went to Bear Lake most summers and enjoyed the free extended family cabin and the beauties of that crystal clear turquoise colored lake. I'm a firm believer that "family fun" is a critical part in building and maintaining a strong family. Perhaps the best thing about family vacations, is that they provide an opportunity to be fully present with our children.
Here's how we did it...we saved up a little each month in a special account that went towards the annual vacation. Rick also received his paycheck every two weeks and since there are two months in the year with three pay periods, we'd use the extra money that wasn't needed for the house payment and put it towards a family vacation. It was money very well spent. There would ALWAYS be other things we could have done with the money (like home improvements or having nicer cars. etc.) but we opted for the annual family vacation and I'm so glad we did!
The "down side" of family vacations can be addressed in a couple of statements: high stress and consequently a sour attitude experienced by the mother in getting everyone one and everything ready (pretty much alone) for the trip, unexpected cost of some designer ice cream cones, unavailable toilets when needed (be it while driving in the car or on a subway), fast food restaurant people who don't speak English, and sleeping in close quarters with a variety of snoring, disruptive people who either don't go to bed early enough or won't wait up when summoned. These small inconveniences can be quickly overlooked however, for the greater good of family time. Sure, there would be crazy, annoying things happen on each vacation, but those make the best stories years later!
I love this "then" and "now" picture of our kids taken at Sea World 10 years ago. Don't you love it? They are wonderful children and they have chosen equally wonderful partners. It's pure joy to spend time together and this last vacation was no exception. Everyone got along famously. I just have one word of caution...be extremely careful when playing the game "THINGS." It can cause fits of laughter that are dangerous to one's health.
3 comments:
Terrific post, Vonnie. We have had so much fun, and have built up such family unity on vacations, that there couldn't have been a better use for the money the vacations have cost. Thanks for all your help over all these years in making them happen.
Our family vacations are some of my favorite memories and I appreciate the sacrifices you made to make them happen. They were worth it!
This looks like you guys had so much fun! Our extended family goes to Florida every 4 years. Its nice to get to see everyone outside of the traditional holiday time. We just recently started getting Cape Cod Rentals for the summer. We are trying to make this a constant yearly thing while the kids are out of school. Thanks so much for sharing your family vacation with everyone.
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