Thank you for faithfully reading, sharing, and telling your friends about my work over the past seven years. These Friday notes are quick-hitting topics that impact my parenthood but that stay just under the blog’s radar.
ICYMI this week on the blog, I talk about my daughter’s high priced soccer trip to North Carolina – not to complain about the money spent, but to provide a framework when your kids’ request to do the same enters your home. Trust me, your time is coming if your kids participate in anything!!! Check it out here.
The 4th of July is HERE!!!
America’s Independence Day is one of my favorite days!
Who cares about the fireworks; gimme the BBQ(‘s), the extended time away from the office, and the great weather. The kids are on break and, for a few days surrounding the 4th, I feel like my wife and I are, too.
These holidays, though, always bring up something that drives me nuts: most kids (mine included) have little clue about what we are celebrating. Sure, they all know the basics, but not much else (beside the late night firework shows). It is both sad and funny to ask a teen about the true meaning of the 4th of July.
So, this holiday, take some time to quiz your kids about Independence Day, I know I will be testing mine.
Ah, our week without teens
My three oldest kids (ages 17, 15, and 14) have all traveled back to my hometown in Iowa to visit our family for the past six days. They are having a ball doing all of the things you’d expect – hanging with cousins, checking out the local spots I used to frequent, and being spoiled by three sets of local grandparents.
Back at our home, we are having a some time with our two little ones (ages 10 and 7) that did not make the trip with their siblings. This small of a group setting is rare in our crazy household.
Being a family of four is strange – from the costs of eating out, to the limited laundry to do, to my cell rarely alerting me of a new text or FaceTime call from a need-money-or-to-be-picked-up teen.
While the brief shrinking of our family has been lovely, it triggers so many “life is too short” thoughts for me.
Man, I have wasted a lot of time wishing years away in parenting. I wished the infants would sleep, the toddlers would slow down, and the teenagers would just follow rules. And, then, I look up and they’re all doing exactly what I wished and I am too preoccupied to notice most days.
This week I’ve thought a lot about kids – teens or infants – just don’t care what makes you busy. They don’t care about the important job that provides for the house they live in, or the overtime you must work to buy those fancy shoes.
They care about our effort and presence.
The idea of “presence” does not necessary infer proximity, especially for my older kids. My littles ones love to have their mom and I around, my older kids simply feel good about our unconditional support for them – even if they are currently 1,200 miles away.
The week’s been great. So great, in fact, that I can’t wait to see my teens again soon.
Universal Studios Orlando (quick) review/notes
Without the teens, we traveled with Emersyn (7) and Everett (10) to Universal Studios Orlando over the past week. Our crew offered four big thumbs’ up after having a great time from park opening to closing.
If your family plans to do the same, I’d suggest a few tips based on our experience:
- If you are able, get the “Park-2-Park” ticket that allows for entry into both theme parks during the same day
- Fast passes that allow guests to the front of the line start to get very annoying by the end of the day
- If you’re a non-rollercoaster person (ie: me), both Universal parks are stocked with options that are perfect while still giving the thrill-seekers the action they desire
- It’s hot and rainy in Florida in the summer so, if you buy a ticket, just assume there will be oppressive heat and interruptions due to a passing rainstorm. There are water features scattered around to take the edge of the heat radiating from the concrete and asphalt.
- Logistics are WAY EASIER at Universal than Disney – the theme parks are super close to I-4, an easy in/out at park opening and closing. There is no long ferry or tram ride to enter the park from the parking garage.
- Bring snacks and water, but carrying a backpack round is a nuisance. Most of the rides will have you place items like a backpack, water bottles, and drink containers in a locker (free of charge). As it gets crowded, the locker areas are swamped with hurried people. Large backpacks will likely NOT fit into the lockers so pack lightly.
- The Harry Potter lands were FULL of people no matter the time of day. The wizarding empire is the top dog in all parks (ie: get ready to buy a wand)
Wrapping up
As we enter the middle of summer, let’s all work to keep the collective “I’m free” kid energy up. Just as I don’t want to look forward to the obligations a new school year brings, I am working to make sure my kids’ minds aren’t prematurely headed in that direction yet, either. Sure, get the summer reading done, but don’t sacrifice the remaining summer fun to be had.
As always, we are in this together.
My Best,
Toby
