Short Travels

Isn't summer fabulous? The sunshine, the birds chirping, the beautiful days to spend with those you love. It is such a wonderful season. It is also the season where many are planning special vacations, or little getaways with those they love. This year as fate would have it, we had to put a roof on our house, so that put a little glitch in our vacation plans. Nevertheless we were determined to plan some nice family times, but in a closer vicinity than we normally do. This year our main vacation will be on Canadian soil, which goes a little easier on the pocketbook. No matter where you go though, I am finding it is always a treat to just be together.

On Thursday our family went to Frankenmuth, Michigan. Tyler especially has been working so much, it was so great to have a chance for the four of us to spend time together. What a great day it was! It brought back such great memories of my childhood. Every December our church organised a "seniors" trip to Frankenmuth and by some miracle because our moms were going (although they were certainly not seniors) they allowed a bunch of us kids to go as well. As a parent now, I am surprised that they allowed us kids to tag along, but to our credit we were forewarned about what behaviour was expected and we graciously complied. What a thrill it was to visit Bronner's, a Christmas wonderland that is Christmas themed every day of the year. The fact that we went there during the Christmas season was an added bonus. To say we were excited was an understatement. I saw that excitement in my own kid's eyes this week even though they are older. Something about Christmas that brings out the kid in everyone. We even picked up some special ornaments for them that were a great keepsake from our trip. Other highlights included, shopping in the quaint, little shops, enjoying a local concert, revelling in the tasty food from Frankenmuth's unique restaurants and taking a riverboat cruise on the Bavarian Belle at day's end. A great way to unwind and catch up on all the local history and sites Frankenmuth has to offer. It is only about 2 hours or so away and it was a great day! Our next adventure this summer will be off to our nations' capital, Ottawa which is sure to hold lots of fun and great memories too.

Before school let out we did an assignment on "My Favourite Place." Time after time the kids mentioned the simple locations that gave them the most joy. Local highlights like the Splash Pad at Seacliff Park, Colasanti's, or Point Pelee came up time after time. Often a friend or family member's house was a place that brought them great joy and lots of awesome memories as well. I was touched by their gratefulness for the simple excursions and all that they have to offer, as these are often overlooked. I have really been finding that to be true myself as we have a pool in our backyard. Especially this year we have really enjoyed it. It is a great place to relax, visit with company and just forget about your worries for awhile.  Sometimes we can search so far for the perfect place to visit and often it can be right in our own backyard literally. Embracing the simple pleasures is where it is at.

Whether you are travelling far this summer or enjoying a day trip or staycation here are some things to remember.

Take Lots of Pictures
You will want to have memories of these special times and we know how quickly they are over and we get back to business as usual sadly. You will enjoy looking back on the special memories you made.

Cherish the Time
Know that kids grow up and life moves on. You do not know how often you will get opportunities like this again. Enjoy every minute. These times were meant to be special and memorable and you deserve this time with those you love.

Indulge Yourself
Don't be afraid to spend a little extra money to treat yourself to something meaningful like a unique souvenir, a memorable event, or a once in a lifetime experience. Last year we spent a fair amount of money when in Tennessee to go see the Dixie Stampede and to go zip lining. Money well spent. Worth every penny and my family agrees.

Love Those You Are With
Take a moment to pause and thank God for those who are with you on whatever vacation you are on this summer. You are blessed to have them at your side and we never know how much time we are given to love and cherish those that God has blessed us with. Hug them often and let them know how great it is to be sharing these special experiences with them.

Celebrate the moment wherever you are. Near or far there is much to enjoy. Safe travels everyone.

Until next time,
~ Dana

Little Lesson Learned: It doesn't really matter where you go. It is about spending special time together that really counts.

Ecclesiastes 8:15~ So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them under the sun.

Copyright: Littlelessonslearnedbydana, 2016