It’s been a long time since we’ve hit the road for a classic Parks family roadtrip. We get excited to take these trips and we talk about them for years afterwards. Our favorite family memories take place somewhere in the midwest or in a national park or even just in the suburban with some antics going on. When retelling our stories and looking at pictures one might think that we are good at planning these trips and have good systems in place to get us all out the door. One might think that we are thoughtful about our plans and put a lot of effort towards a quality family vacation.
But those thoughts are very wrong.
We’re horrible at planning ahead. We arrive at destinations and find out that one child has no shoes packed. Or no shirts. We don’t think twice about reserving hotel rooms while on the road when we know our timing. We are often calling around a day or two ahead of leaving searching for dog boarding. And it's not uncommon for us to switch up routes midway through the trip. We aren't proud of this, in fact we're a little embarrassed by it. I think we just get overwhelmed with having to make so many decisions and committing to a time frame and reservations. Spontaneity is our strength and honestly I think we are at our best in spontaneous moments. But, it can make the 24 hours before we leave a little dicey.
So, driving down the street today and heading out of town is a huge accomplishment:
Our house is locked up.
All six of us are in the car, and everyone has shoes!
We found someone to watch Duke and he is delivered.
We have a sort-of plan for the week!
We have reservations for tonight and tomorrow night
(and good ideas for the nights after)!
We are on the road!
We are the opposite! We usually have everything planned down to the specific hikes we will be going on. We are very anxious people, so it is a requirement. It would be so nice to be more spontaneous. Have a safe trip and congratulations on getting your dog boarded.
ReplyDeleteHaha, we truly wish we were more like you, planned and ready! We aspire to that and often vow to plan ahead for the next trip, but to no avail. Sigh. Thanks for reading 😊!
DeleteYour road trips sound like so much fun! Have a wonderful time!
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Thank you 😊!
DeleteI love the spontaneity and I can feel the anticipication and excitment! I would love to do this, but the planning does sometimes seems a bit daunting. I like your approach! Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteOh to be spontaneous sounds nice. We are often times to planned out and will miss something fun because we find it hard to switch the plans we have made. I like have a place to stay set but would love to have the rest a bit more open. It does sound like you are off for a fun week! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAh, I am a kindred spirit! You tell the story with warmth, so we get the impression your family can make fun happen. The details of no shoes or shirts are the best. One time my daughter forgot to pack underwear, but her aunt (joining us on the trip) just happened to give her some for a late birthday present! It’s a good family story. I hope you have some great adventures on this trip.
ReplyDeleteReally, Fran, are we similar!? That makes me feel better. I really do aspire to plan a full family trip, but I also love the joy my family finds in our spontaneous adventures.
DeleteThis is such a delight to read, and I feel truly seen as a road tripper. YES!
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