Sure, it hurts to suddenly find that a trip you have looked forward to for months, maybe even for years, has to be put on the back burner, but it doesn't have ruin your whole summer.
In fact, it could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Just think of all the money you will save by sticking close to home; gas money and unexpected car repairs on the road; high priced food at restaurants; laundromat fees; and over-priced admission tickets for every attraction along the way.
And, if you choose not to go on the road, just think of how much easier it will be to prepare meals, take showers, wash clothes, and take care of pets in your very own home instead of in a motel room in some strange town or worse yet, in a tent--even if the tent does happen to be pitched on the shores of a gorgeous lake.
Finally, and perhaps most important of all, just think of the stress you will avoid by choosing to stay at home this year rather than wasting countless days packing, frantically shoving kids and pets into the car, wondering as you head down the road just how many things you have overlooked and will have to purchase along the way, and counting noses each time you stop for the night to make sure one of the little ones has not managed to escape at a pit stop on the journey.
Let's face it. Most vacations are geared around something the adults think would be nice. We may plan a trip to Disney World for the kids, but, given a real choice, how many kids really want to be crammed in the back seat of a car for hours--maybe even days depending on how far you have to travel - just to get there? Wouldn't it be healthier to just stick around home and do less expensive, less stressful, and maybe even more fun things for a change?
I remember a trip to Canada one year that resulted in so much arguing from the back seat that I, the supposed Mom in charge, was ready to get out and walk the rest of the way home. I'd rather have a nice quiet afternoon in the backyard any day.
Not that every afternoon has to be quiet this summer. There are tons of things to do right in your own neighborhood, and, if you, "put on your thinking cap," as my Mother used to say, you can find plenty of fun things to do in your very own backyard.
How about checking a book of kid's one or two-act plays out of the library and letting your kids put on a production for the neighborhood? I guarantee that this one activity could keep them busy for days.
They could make simple paper costumes, construct a set from cardboard boxes, make a sign for the front yard, set up chairs for the guests, and distribute tickets to nearby neighbors
One of the older kids could print out a program listing all the participants and the roles they will be playing. Mom could provide some cookies, or offer to sing a special that fits into the production.The neighbors - and your kids will be talking about it for weeks.
To find lots more ideas like these, check out my $1.50 Kindle book, CHEAP SUMMER FUN, from Amazon, or the same title in Nook Book format at Barnes and Noble. CHEAP SUMMER FUN
1 comment:
Mid winter here Jeanne
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