Vacation Traditions

Growing up, we never had a vacation that I would consider to be a family  tradition.  We went to different places, and would visit family whenever possible, but never a destination we went year after year.  Now that I am a father, I have the ability to begin traditions with my own family.  One is going to Lake Livingston for the 4th of July.

My wife and I enjoy being outdoors and close to the water.  Lake life offers just that.  We are very fortunate that we have a family member with a lake house.  Coming to the lake allows my family to enjoy each other, unplug from our normal routines, and enjoy time with friends.  

Now granted, we do take advantage of the lake property more than just during the 4th of July.  It's just there is something special about spending the 4th with friends.  

Why the lake during the 4th of July is special:

The lake does not have the same distractions as home.  The area where our property is located is away from normal distractions.  There is no internet.  Cell phone service is spotty.  We do have satellite TV, but we do not have DVR like home.  The closest restaurant is a 15-20 minute drive.  We also do not have that "To Do List," at the lake.  Now, we do have to take care of normal upkeep, but it is not that list of things at home that seems to never get done.

The only limit on fun is the limit you place.  Where else can you boat, swim, tube, go to the beach, run in the sprinkler, ride a golf cart, and fish?  This is just a small list of what happens here.  As our kids have gotten older, we have made little twists to what we normally do.  For example, this year when we ride through the neighborhood on the golf cart, we also go on a scavenger hunt to see how many different animals we can find.  It seems like every time we go out we see something new.

We let the kids decide.  For the most part, we let the kids decide what to do each day.  There are times when we need to put boundaries on activities due to weather or available time, but for the most part, it is their choice.  Some of their favorites are going to Browder's to get worms for fishing, heading out to Pine Island to visit the beach, swimming off the dock, and most recently, riding the tube behind the boat.

The more the merrier.  We love having friends come out for the day or weekend.  We have a close family that has spent the past three July 4ths with us.  It is a blessing to be able to share our gifts with others.  When they're here, we share in food, fun, and laughter.  

Lake fireworks are amazing!  As our kids get older, we are able to enjoy more and more of the fireworks.  When we first started coming out here, we would get the kids in bed, then watch across the lake as fireworks shot high into the sky.  Now that they are a little older, they get to enjoy this as well.  We are even starting to add our own small fireworks to the displays that can be seen all over the lake.  This year was the first time that we were able to take the boat out at night to see the amazing light shows take place overhead.  The kids were amazed with the colors and sounds around them.  It seemed like the common phrase was, "WOW, did you see that one?  I did not expect that was going to happen."  

As I mentioned earlier, we are blessed to have a property that has been a part of the family since I was in college.  But you can still begin your tradition without the expense of a 2nd home.  Other options include vacation rentals, hotels, resorts, and camp grounds.  We have one friend that goes to a place on North Padre each year called, "Island House."  Another friend reserves several camp sites at Lake Livingston State Park.  Her and her entire family bring out the boats and travel trailers for a week-long family camp out.  Whatever you tradition may be, remember your focus... spending time with each other.

Are you wanting to start a travel tradition like ours?  My Travel Pros can help.  We specialize in family travel and romantic get-aways.  My Travel Pros can help you plan and book the vacation that is best for you and your family.  Contact us via Facebook or e-mail to start planning your next family adventure.