Friday, July 5, 2013

FABULOUS FAMILY MEMORIES


When you think back on your childhood vacations what comes most quickly to mind?

Personally, I recall the times my friend Margaret and her family would allow me to go with them to their rented beach house in Northland, New Zealand.  I only ever remember the sun shining brightly and the escapades we got up to together.  Over 50 years later, I still look back on those times and long for the carefree days we experienced.

My kids remember the amazing beach vacations we had as well, those times when we took a tent or pop-up camper and just 'roughed it'. 

There is one great thing about vacations.  The best memories often come from those that didn't actually cost anything - or at least, very little.  Why are they so successful?
  • You don't have the stress of the cost that is often involved - e.g. going to Disneyland.
  • You don't have to plan your vacation to death - e.g. every moment away doesn't HAVE to count.
  • You get to spend quality time with each of your children.
  • You get to be a kid again yourself and that is a real tonic to both you and your kids.
  • You learn to be inventive in your activities...without all the mod cons that tend to spoil initiative.  You could make a cart, make your own fishing pole, cook potatoes in their skins over an open fire, make s'mores, make your own rope swing, go rock-hopping, or build a hut out of whatever you can find.
  • You meet a whole new group of friends.  Sometimes you can meet up with those same people every year whether you go back to the same place or you meet up in different places together.
  • You have the time to do absolutely NOTHING.  You might take a stack of books to read, games to play, puzzles to figure out etc...all those things you never allow yourself time to do at home.
  • Everyone has a holiday so you can later come home and relax before the pressures of life come on you again.
Vacations shouldn't have to make you poor, or wear you out.  Keep it simple, folks, and use the time to bond and create positive family memories.  They last a life-time!

Sally and Brian Burgess


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