We recently got back from vacation, or “vacay” (vay-k?) as
my son called it. I’m not sure of the spelling for vay-kay, but really anything
goes now-a-days. My parents rented a cabin for a week near Ely, Minnesota. They
invited my brothers and me and our families to come up. Minnesota was never a
place that I had considered as a vacation spot since I lived so close to it,
but our week stay in northern Minnesota was quite lovely. Besides the
mosquitoes and sometimes the rain, the trip was perfect.
We didn't have a television, which was nice, unless you were
trying to watch the U.S. soccer team’s game in the World Cup. (Don’t worry; the
guys went into town to watch it.) We didn't always have internet service, which
was nice too, unless you are trying to figure another way home. We ended up
stopping and buying a $4 map, much to my husband’s dismay. The kids didn't swim
in the lake as much because a couple days were rainy and cold, but we enjoyed
the use of the kayaks and canoes. We enjoyed the atmosphere, being together, my
mom’s cooking, and the crazy 4th of July parade.
I asked the kids what
their favorite thing about vacation was and their response was….”spending time
with our cousins!” (They also liked the Wolf Center and the Bear Center.)
Spending vacation with a group of people….in the same cabin……is not always
easy. There will always be a difference of opinions about everything….places to
go, things to do, and food to eat. I
appreciate the fact that even though that is the case, in our family, we
do not let it get us down. We definitely are not perfect at this, but it is
important to keep trying. Why???
1
* For our parents. They love us all. They know
that we aren't perfect, but they enjoy being with us and want to support us.
They deserve our respect.
2 * For our children. They love playing with their
cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. They bring joy to many. They are
watching us and how we get along with others.
3 * For us. We have built-in babysitters. My husband
and I can go and do something as a couple while the kids stay with people we
know and trust.
4 * To build memories.
I know that not all families get along. If your family doesn't,
I want to encourage you to bring some unity to your family. What are some ways
you can respect your parents, even your siblings and in-laws, and be better
examples to your kids? I hope that you try because in the end it is indeed worth
it!
