Like Robin Williams said in the movie, “if you really want to find out about yourself, put your family in a RV for a week and travel across the country.” A girlfriend bristled at the idea and said, “I wouldn’t want to be stuck in an RV with Matthew McConaughey for a week, much less with people expected me to deliver clean underwear!”
I really love girlfriends who speak the cold, hard truth about family life. But the kids were sold on our plan, and we decided to make some memories in favor of airplanes and room service.
So we rented a big old RV, put way too much stuff in it and fled the suburbs. Off to Disneyland and some beach-time in Southern California. At least I could make breakfast with a different view!
Honestly, I thought I’d return with a treasure trove of stories of misadventures. Our family of 5 is pretty tight, but let’s just say we have some, um, high maintenance personalities. I’m not naming names, but you know I’m not one of them! J
Sorry to disappoint. No tales of roadside breakdowns, Disneyland meltdowns, wacky travel companions or sewage hook-ups gone awry. Actually, we rocked.
Mind you, we’ve determined a “vacation” entails white sand, blue waters and not having one single person asking you to cut their chicken. A “trip” is what you take with kids. But we’ve had our share of trips where we returned exhausted from all of our “quality time” together, angry that the kids didn’t get along or drop to their knees and thank us profusely for springing them from the hum drum. (I know. They’ll do that when they’re about 30. At least they better!)
But on this trip, the kids rallied. Helped each other. Played together. Mapped out the rides at Disney, complained minimally during the astronomically long lines. Yes; they did beg for treats; but we broke the rules and scooped up the giant lollipops, Mickey-ears hats and cotton candy. We spoiled them, but they earned it. So did we. It’s really, really fun to say yes… to live with abandon for a few days. I mean, we were visiting Happiest Place on Earth!
And for me, our visit to Disney earned Happiest Place on Earth status because I really enjoyed watching my kids get along, work together and enjoy each other’s company.
That is of course, until we arrived home and the squabbles started. Suddenly, long lines and $5 sodas seemed like a vacation.
Your turn. Tell me your vacation from heaven or he** story!
so fun! I want to do this someday... you are brave but it all turned out great. :)
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