As my children are getting older, travel is entering a whole new dimension. I’m happy to say that as a traveling family there is more excitement, more questions about where we’re going and what we’re seeing, and far more gratitude for going to faraway places. There is also not as much to pack – no more bottles, no more diapers, far less toys. Instead there are travel journals, books to read, iPads and comfortable shoes to pack for all of us. My kids are growing up, and it’s making traveling more doable and much more interesting.
So when my mother was visiting recently, I was eager to include her on one of our adventures. She lives far away and we don’t get to see her as much as we’d like to. I inherited my sense of adventure from her. She encouraged me to study abroad in both school and college and she loves to travel and see new sites. I realize the significance of our time together and just as travel has brought my own family closer, I knew it would do the same with my children’s grandmother.
For this first experience, we took an overnight road trip. In the future, I’d love to take longer trips and fly outside the country with her in tow, but we tied this trip into her recent visit to my house. Just as expected, bonds were strengthened and memories were stored. My mom and kids shared new experiences, new cuisine, new places and explored their senses TOGETHER. During meals, we told each other stories. My mom talked about her childhood. She talked about me as a child. After a day out while having dessert, my children happily talked about themselves and told her what they like most in life. We learned things about her that I hope my children will always remember. And we laughed, and laughed and laughed.
Next stop: Venice. It’s my mom’s dream destination and there’s no time like the present.
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