Travel Plans

During a recent family dinner, we were discussing our plans for travel next year.  Normally, we travel to Florida during the school Easter break to enjoy time on the beach with family and soak up some much needed sun.  But this year, Easter comes awfully early and a week in Florida at the end of March is risking some rainy weather.  (And there is nothing worse than traveling to Florida to watch the rain.  Nothing.)

I mentioned that for next year there is one thing I would really like to do.  I would like for our family to take a family vacation - just the five of us.  While we have traveled a few times a year as a family, it is almost always a vacation that involves other people and family.  We are blessed to have a terrific extended family that we love dearly, but it would be nice to try a vacation with just our family of five.

All at once the boys exploded with excitement talking over each other at the thought of a trip for us to plan together.

"You know what I really want to do?  Really, really?"  Brennan asked us.  "I really want to stay at a hotel.  That would be so cool."

Chris and I laughed, but then realized that our boys have only stayed in a hotel once.   ONCE.  We couldn't believe it.  But anytime we travel, we have done so to a family member's house or condo.  We are fairly lucky to be such professional moochers.

"You know where I really want to go?"  Griffin shouted to be heard.  "New York City!"  We all agreed that NYC would, indeed be a great place to visit, but we could easily tackle seeing it by staying an extra night on our way to or from the Hamptons when we make our annual trek in the summer to visit (read: mooch) Seth and Tennille at their beachside abode.

Aidan was thoughtful as he listened to everyone shouting their hopes and wishes for our vacation in 2013.    Finally, he jumped in.

"You know where I think I would like to go?  Pennsylvania!"

"Pennsylvania?"  I asked.  "Why?"

He shrugged.  "It just sounds like there is a lot going on there.  It's interesting."

I have a feeling that this may be a group of travelers that are fairly easy to please.

No final decisions have been made for project family vacation 2013.  Chris has mentioned camping (shudder) as his choice, but I think I like Brennan's ideas of a hotel better.