Well, we were all worried it wouldn't happen. Life just gets so busy that sometimes we forget to do things...like PLAN for a trip. That's what happened this year. Truth be told, everything was PLANNED- except we both forgot to look for and book a cabin, or let our works know we wanted to leave...shoot!
It was early in our marriage that I realized the kind of family we were...we're not MADE for hotels, motels, or fussy resorts...we're made for a little cabin hidden in the woods. And, it's truly been such a WONDERFUL choice for us nearly every time.
When our oldest was in 4th grade, we took our first trip to Hocking Hills, Ohio. It was an incredible trip for ALL of us!
Now that the middle, Andrew, is in 4th grade, there was only ONE PLACE this family could all agree was the PERFECT Spring trip - back to the hills!!
Because my boys aren't really too big on eating out, and I'm REALLY not big on the COST of eating out, a cabin is perfect for us. And, since I know what my boys like to eat, I can keep the cost of food incredibly low, which means we can splurge a little on a luxurious cabin!
Our requirements for a cabin are:
1) Lots of Space to wander - lots of trees is preferred, no "line of sight" neighbors, too!
2) A HOT TUB (We have had both indoors and out. While we preferred the indoor, the outdoor isn't bad, and it keeps the boys from assuming it's a POOL)!!!
3) Either a large deck, or LOTS of decks, for relaxing and watching the boys play.
4) PET FRIENDLY (because he's family, too, you know)
5) Something "else" for the boys to do - a pool table, Ping-Pong, foosball...something!
To some, this may seem excessive. And, truth be told, it may be. But, because we rent a cabin, we are able to make all our meals on-site, so the money saved on meals can be put toward our lodging. And, it's Mom & Dad's vacation, too - so we want to be relaxed, and ENJOY the trip! When you head to these hills, there's LOT of hiking, and the hot tub is practically REQUIRED. Haha!
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| This Year's Cabin - On A Lark |
For this trip, we had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, pool table, hot tub, lots of family games, and LOTS of hills to climb! I don't have many pictures inside - we weren't there that much. But, it was lovely!
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| The boys mini-hike on the grounds of our stay - you can see the deck! |
This year, we visited Cantwell Cliffs, and the Rock House, in Hocking County. I was pretty nervous starting these RED TRAILS with Ben...he's only four. Silly mom!!! He was chasing behind those big boys, and often leading the pack up the hills, and over the rocks...he LOVED it!
While packing, Ben was debating to take his rain boots, or his tennis shoes. He ended up taking both. At first, I was nervous...who knows how those rain boots will do on a HIKE. But, wow! I was sure glad he did! He was stomping through every puddle, and stream, and across every log he could find! He loved every minute of it! Our first trip, two years ago, he was so small, he only "remembered" what he saw in our annual photo book...
Yes, even the puppy came - and loved it!
Personally, I realized...Momma needs some CARDIO!
Wow, you don't realize how old you get until it's too late. *grin*
And so, as soon as I can figure out HOW, I plan to get a cardio and endurance exercise program started.
Now, the best part of this trip - for the FIVE of us...because we planned ahead, we had the cost of the cabin saved quickly, and set aside for nearly six months. The food cost about $80 (including a ridiculously large tub of JUNK FOOD!!! Ps. The leftovers will be used in school lunches, and will likely take us through ALL of May), it was about 200 miles to travel there, so we purchased two tanks of gas, at about $25 each, and the first night in town, we stopped at a local pizza joint for dinner (it's a tradition), and that was $30.00. Because of the time of year we chose, the "extras" of vacation were not available - that means we had a 2 night/3-day trip, for five people, for $135!!!!
I think we've decided to make this an ANNUAL trip instead of a "4th grade" trip. Mostly because all we have left is Ben, and he's four. The idea of waiting SIX YEARS before we go back was just too much.
*grin*
