Creating New Family Memories
Last week, I told you all about our families yearly treks to Cedar Point. As I mentioned, they are fond memories filled with love, laughter and family ties. I want nothing more than to create those same types of memories for my children as well.
My nuclear family is not as large as my mom’s extended family that vacationed together each year. And there are far fewer grandchildren (only 4) so doing that type of adventurous vacation each year really isn’t in the cards for us. But I do still have this deep desire for my children to be raised attending and loving amusement parks. We are 3.5 hours away from Cedar Point so the next best thing for us is King’s Island which is located just 45 minutes away (and is now owned by Cedar Point). So this year we were talked into a seasons pass by some friends.
I am SO GLAD we did too! It has been such a great experience to take the kids down to the park for 3-6 hour trips at a time. The flexibility of having a pass means we can go for the morning and be back by nap-time. That is a win-win for everyone. And my children? They absolutely love it! I remember the first time they rode a action ride (now one of their favorites). In fact, I will never forget it. They had smiles from ear-to-ear and my 2 year old even raised her hands in jubilation as the ride whipped her around. It made my soul smile.
And I know you are thinking, what kid wouldn’t like an amusement park? But it really isn’t that easy. My son is very reluctant to try new, unexpected things, especially if it makes a loud noise. So I thought getting him on amusement park rides was going to be a feat. It turns out it was easier than anticipated. However, I have seen him struggle at times with his desire to participate and his fear of the unknown. It has been so amazing to watch him make strides towards tackling his fear in exchange for good-natured fun. And then I smile some more.
Are there any plans you have made this summer to try and recreate fond family memories in your children that you once experienced? Maybe a vacation spot? A favorite activity? A favorite place?
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I love his little face in that picture! I think everytime we take kids anywhere that’s further than about a half hour from home…and sleep away from home…we should get a medal or something!
It’s so important to have our kids experience new things, and when we were kids we didn’t go on many vacations. It’s something I want my kids to look forward to every year, and I want them to love traveling as much as I do.