From Tami: Family Vacations

Family vacations are not properly named. I don’t know about you, but I find family vacations to be work. I need vacations from my family vacations.

Now, part of that might be because it is cheaper for us to drive than it is to fly, so any type of long distance trip includes a packed car of arguing kids. But even when the transportation goes smoothly, the activities themselves are seldom relaxing.

When we went on a road-trip to Hershey Park with 10 of our 11—in our 15 seater van—I was pretty sure I was going to return home either A) divorced, or B) in handcuffs. It was a stressful drive, to say the least. The kids loved the park, but I was on edge the whole time. Luckily, it was Hershey—there was chocolate for Mama.

Camping has to be kept to two night maximum, or someone blows a gasket.

Ski trips are fun, but also should be kept short for sanity purposes. Injury ones as well, because that many people for that much time on skis is simply tempting fate. (Not to mention, I get sick of the cold and snow after about six hours. Remind me why I live in New England?)

Even vacations to warmer climates with plenty of varied activities end up with me playing referee rather than relaxing.

I guess the good news is, the kids generally love family vacations. Which is the most important part of the whole thing, and is why we go on these trips in the first place. Remembering that helps me through them, for the most part.

In addition, once in a blue moon my husband and I get to go away for a weekend on our own. Which gives me enough of a recharge to play referee again, while I dream of lounging on a quiet beach with uninterrupted reading time.

Ah, bliss. It’s the small things in life.

Let’s hear some vacation wins and fails, Super-Moms!

Tami