Last year we didn't actually go on a vacation, but rather took day trips around our state. This year, though, we're going to try a vacation, and not just any vacation, and 'unplugged' vacation.
So what does that mean? It means a mountain cabin with no TV. no Internet, no video games, and no cell phones. It means family time - time spent walking through the woods, watching for wildlife, playing board games, sleeping when we feel like sleeping, building a fire in the fireplace, and just enjoying each other's company.
I'm not sure it will really turn out to be the Walden Pond I have pictured in my mind, but I'll never know if I don't try.
So this past weekend we visited the state park where our rental cabin will be. The park was beautiful! We enjoyed a picnic lunch next to a large lake and then went and peeked in the windows of some of the cabins. Fortunately, they were not quite as primitive as I was expecting.
We have rented a three bedroom, two bath, handicapped-accessible cabin. It has a full kitchen and a fireplace. It is, however, tucked deeply into the forest. It's a little frightening but exciting also. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone will stay well, and our adventure will actually happen. If anyone has any suggestions for surviving an 'unplugged' vacation, I would love to hear them.
If we pull this off, it will be nothing short of amazing considering my sons are "plugged" in constantly!
Found your blog from The Carrera's. First, I love the photo of Ashley Lynn. It's beautiful. Then I enjoyed the PipeCleaner's Dream entry. It sounds like she and my youngest daughter are kindred spirits. Faith is always creating.
ReplyDeleteWe had an unexpectedly "unplugged" vacation a few years ago. And amazingly as we talk about where we want to go next summer, my kids keep asking to go back to this place.
I went to the local craft store and picked up a bunch of different craft kits. These were a huge success, even for my teenage son, surprisingly.
I also brought some outside activities which we don't normally do at home such as bubble making guns, horseshoes, etc.
And I brought things like Play Dough and Moon Sand and other really messy things that I don't generally like getting out at home. So everything was a special treat for them.
I haven't read through your blog to know if these are appropriate suggestions and I apologize if they aren't, but hopefully it will spark some ideas.
I'll learn more about you and your family by following future posts and going back and reading previous.
Instruments! Even home made ones! Music is just wonderful, especially if you make it yourself, as opposed to listening to it on an ipod I mean. Sing-alongs by the campfire might be fun. Depends what your kids like to do though.
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