Category: Family

Encouragement · Family · Travel

The Party’s Over

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“So,  what did you do this summer?”   How many times have you answered this question in the past two weeks? Yes,  the summer of 2016 is a thing-of-the-past, never to be repeated.  You made some great memories, but it’s time to begin planning again!  If you think it’s too early, ask yourself:  “Am I looking out the windshield of adventure or the rearview mirror?”

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You’ve got another vacation coming up in a little less than a year.  And beginning to plan for it now is not a moment too soon.

“We parents have but a handful of chances to create meaningful vacation memories for our kids, thanks to our crazy schedules and the ever-narrowing window when our kids will actually want to travel with us.”  Money, March 2016, Jonathan Adolph

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, PLAN!  Get everyone involved.    Chances are better for you if you induct your entire family into vacation planning.  There are no bad ideas. Don’t put down anybody’s suggestion, but instead weigh the pros and cons of each family member’s choice.   Investigate!   Percolate excitement by showing photos, videos, whatever you can find to stimulate interest.    You should know by now there is no such thing as looking ‘too far into the future.’

It cost how much?   If you are choking on that thought, you’ve started looking in the wrong places.  Check out “shoulder season.”  This is travel jargon for “deep discounts in off-seasons rates.”  Choose quality days over quantity.  A four-day family adventure off-season often beats seven-days of beach chaos and clutter in-season.  The Norwegians say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!”  Think ahead.   Plan.  Check out special savings on GroupOn and Living Social, and sign up for email notifications from Kayak, Airfarewatchdog.com and TravelZoo.

Start saving.  Again, it’s never too early.  Mark a big jar Vacation Fund 2017 and ‘filler up!”  Build drama and anticipation!  Praise family participation, sacrifices and contributions.

Let’s talk Friday about “How to Cut Corners.”  I’ve got some great ideas!

Dawn

Adventure with Engagement AWE · Family

Square One

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Young kids gather around mom waiting for an elevator to take them fifteen floors down to the snack shop.  Ding!  Elevator opens, a kid rushes in. Doors close and mom realizes the arrow pointed UP.  What now? Mom remembers telling them:  “If we ever get separated always push LOBBY. Square One.  If there’s no LOBBY, push 1.

Often it is good to get back to Square One, in your life and especially in your marriage.  A crisis comes into each life and relationship sooner or later. The ‘easy way’ leads out.  But the hard way has a bigger payoff.  If you are wise, you gather up the fractured pieces and go back to the Square One, where things were fresh and more stable.   This is actually easier to do with kids than it is with partners.  But self-protection is rarely an aspect of a partnership.  Moms and dads are the hub of the family wheel.  And if the spokes don’t have a point of reference from the outer wheel to the inner hub – well, at best you’ve got wobble; and at worst, you’ve got collapse. The YouTube Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0iXaNOAxnA

shows the NASA final check before launching the Endeavor in 2009.  Fabulous really!  And next time you feel strain in your family, take a minute to check out each system involved.  Make sure there are ‘no constraints and you are ready to launch.’  And if there are problems in your family and especially between mom and dad, address them personally before you head off in the wild blue yonder!

Repair your ship by going back to  Square One.   Ready, Set, Launch, AWE!

Dawnsquare one.jpg

Adventure with Engagement AWE · Family

Homegrown AWE

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What’s special about the place you live? If you put a price tag on value, you are missing the AWE boat.   Because sure as rain is wet, there is a back-story to your area.

This past week we invited most of our ‘kin’ to Lake Martin providing them great family engagement, plenty of food (healthy and junky) and we assigned them corners for ‘adventure sleeping.’ Kids are so adaptable and while nobody got the bathtub, blankets and sleeping bags were everywhere.   Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Brothers, Sisters, and one or two ‘strays’ joined the party. Aunt Dawn, the promoter of AWE (Adventure with Engagement) left herself no ‘me time’. I was determined that aside from the normal boat trips around the 44,000-acre lake, we were going to find adventure! Together!!

750 miles of Lake Martin is wooded shoreline, provided by a host of funky little islands. Chimney Rock (aka Acapulco Rock) is a daredevil diver’s favorite, and we had all seen the risk takers climb sixty feet up to jump into 150 feet of deep water.   But that was one Adventure we would leave Without Engagement!

Instead we headed deep into the jungles of Goat Island.   We had heard about it – just north of Martin Dam, which has been rumored to be home to a large number of goats. We had questions: How did they get there? How long had they been there? Would we offer an extra bag of Cheetos to the explorer who found the first one?

We quietly approached Goat Island, and began our search. Whispers turned to giggles, and giggles turned to whistles and yells. Yet for some reason the goats remained invisible. We each had our theories about where they were hiding. Eventually, we all got back in the boat and headed around to the other side of the island.

And, ta dah! There they were: Goats. Baby goats, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles and a few strays.   We came back with nothing but sandy feet, wonderful memories and stories that get more elaborate with each passing day.  But after all – isn’t that what AWE is all about?

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  THE END

Dawn

Adventure with Engagement AWE · Family · Travel

Flexible

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“Blessed are the flexible; for though they are often bent out of shape, they shall not be broken.”

Probably won’t find that verse anywhere in the Bible, but it’s good theology.  And certainly good advice for any overwrought mom or dad.

These last days of summer have brought me right back to the good old 24/7 moments with my family when we took our 32 country, around the world adventure.  As I’ve told you, I have new respect for Dickens’ words in his book The Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”  And here’s where I take personal responsibility for “it was the worst of times.”

I can truly admit that there were very few moments in 180 days and nights of our trip that I ever felt it was the worst of times.  Sometimes it was difficult, but isn’t it our job as parents to handle ‘difficult’ with one hand tied behind our backs?   It takes wise hindsight  (I pat myself on the back here) to realize  those times that were most difficult were more so  because I had lost flexibility.

Flexibility in any family travel adventure is vital!   If you see yourself as Captain, imagine  yourself first on the Exxon Valdez and realize, some things are simply unavoidable.  There were days when I did break.  I know that.  Ron knows that.  My kids know that.  But family adventures rarely go according to schedule.  So many of the things I remember – we all remember about the trip – are the things that happened when the schedule went haywire.

If I could have planned every step of the way, I would have missed so much.   We would have crossed every street in Beijing without being terrorized by motorcycles and traffic. We would have never gotten lost.   We would have found our way home ten minutes before we all got tired.  The guys would have loved all the food, no matter how strange it seemed, and they would never have argued or had meltdowns.  Ever!

But as I look back on the footage of our trip now, I realize how perfect those unscripted moments were.  When we checked out our re-runs, we didn’t just notice the one who had a  meltdown;  we noticed the brother reaching out to comfort the brother who was upset.

When it comes to AWE, Adventure With Engagement, focus upon the ‘engagement’ part. Adventures will get you to your destinations faster, but without engagement, you will miss some of the horsing around, jokes, funny mistakes and other ridiculous dilemmas.

Be blessed.  Be flexible.  Cut your family some slack.   After all, without flexibility, even angels’ wings don’t operate properly!

Dawn

Adventure with Engagement AWE · Family · Travel

You spent how much??

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Thirty-second summer recap:  Start, now!   Memorable family vacation?

Awkward side-stories that get funnier each time they are remembered? Good!  Now, how much money did you spend doing that? If you had to do it over again, would you?

Was your family trip an AWE trip, or just a get-away?  Mom’s know ‘the beach’ usually means just another kitchen and laundry location.  We have always looked back much more fondly at our Adventures With Engagement–traveling to unknown places with our family-than the long beach naps under the protection of umbrellas and 50 SPF sunscreen.     Nothing wrong with sand and sun, but those memories tend to fade faster than tans.

We’ve already told you the story of traveling with our family through thirty-two countries for six months.  We had an ulterior motive in ‘telling you.’  We hoped you would consider giving your family an adventure of a lifetime like we did.  If the idea still finds you stuck in neutral, consider putting yourself in gear with these facts: We spent about $6500 pp on each RTW airfare and came away with more than a sunburn,  T-shirt and a faded glo-stick;  we got a priceless education and memories carved indelibly into our souls.

Next year consider pulling a Hirn and hitting a new location —  like China, where you will spend under $200 six people for four nights, and dinner of fresh dumplings for six was about $5.  Trying pulling that off at Burger King!

It’s not too early to begin planning your trip now.    Half the fun is the anticipation of the places you will visit.  And you have built-in educational opportunities.  Make it a family goal:  Save your money.  Clip coupons.  Cut back on eating out and buying junk.

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Save your $$ and build a bit of AWE into your trip!

Dawn

Family · Travel

Theme Park Mentality

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A National Park Ranger shared some interesting questions he has been asked by tourists,  regarding the Grand Canyon:

  1. “Is the Grand Canyon human made?”
  2. “What time do you feed the animals?”
  3. “When do you turn on the waterfalls?”

Have we groomed our children for ‘theme-park mentality?’

If so, adventure takes another hit.

When we chose a 180-day world adventure,  we knew there would be loads of challenges.  Studying helped equip us with some necessary strategies: forewarned is forearmed.  But ‘Adventure on schedule’ is always watered down ‘adventure.’

Some things were knew for certain that, unlike Epcot:  there was no ‘walking bridge’ over to “China World,” if the lines to Morocco,  were too long. If someone made a mess on the streets of China, there was no “park cleaning service” to clean it up.  If your ‘ride’ broke down, you walked.  There might be fireworks at night; there might not.  If you don’t like Chinese food, you cannot just jump on the monorail to find a quick burger.

Some of the most wonderful moments come from a family adventure when we relax our grip on time.  Nature doesn’t run a tight schedule.  Wandering is a direction and within a few guidelines, your family can make wonderful memories exploring.

If one of our beautiful National Parks is your summer destination for  AWE (Adventure With Engagement),  remember, any great adventure  requires common sense.    If you don’t keep your wits sharp, you may end up in some difficult situations.  Be patient.  You will figure it out!

Oh, and one more thing:

When you are in a National Park, if you are approached by a big guy in a cuddly bear costume, don’t grab your phone and snuggle up for a ‘selfie.’  Run away!  It’s not a costume!!

Dawn

Adventure with Engagement AWE · Family

Gummy Bears

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What brings your family back to reality of face-to-face conversation better than the dining table?   Sure, you know it, but how often do you do it?  Takes planning, buying, time cooking and (my favorite) trying to please everyone at the table.   You’ve got to make it look good for them to eat it.  Some foods like Brussel Sprouts, have no chance at all.

In 1920, a poor German sugar-factory worker began to develop gummy goo that makes up Haribo’s gelatin candy.  But the stuff didn’t take off till they got creative and shaped the goo into teddybears.  If that’s what it takes to make a kid eat candy, how important is it to make nutritious food attractive?

Moms and dads know the importance of creative marketing.  From cutting sandwiches into cookie shapes to finger flick football, engage!!   The dining room table has a bigger take away than nutrition;   engage them in conversation.

Questions like:  “How was your day,” usually get a one-word conversation-ending response.    Same with “did you do your homework?”   Unless you’re creative, you may loose your kids.   Try and cut up your questions in the shape of interesting things like ‘gummy bears or gummy worms’ for kids to take the bait:

“What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you in school?  (get ready to supply them with your answer, ‘cause it will come back to you)   Or, “If you were a car – what kind would you be?” or, “If you could rename yourself, what name would you choose?”

Stupid questions?  Sure.  But remember, you told them there is no such thing as a stupid question.  And being a fool is usually ‘family friendly’ activity. When you have  brothers or sisters, there is no such thing as the ‘last laugh.’   You almost always have another chance.

Rule that the dinner table is a ‘no screen’ zone and then make time to engage in creative conversation with your family.  Don’t waste precious table time arguing or fussing when you could be getting to know those who will be sitting at their own tables with their own kids, way too soon!

AWE – Adventure With Engagement!

Dawn

Family · Travel

Powers of prediction

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Scheduling a road trip with your family?  A fortune teller may alert you to difficulties. But before you waste your quarters, understand that somebody can point them out to you and your family, but when it all boils down, it’s up to you to solve them.

Ask yourself: “what do I expect from this trip?”   And if your answer comes out on the soft and fluffy side, do a bit of research, then rest on your powers of prediction:  There will be arguments, tantrums, melt-downs and mishaps.  You may get lost.  You may regret schlepping around all those unnecessary things you packed.  You may leave something important behind.  And you will get sick of those overused kid phrases:  “I’m bored,” “it’s not fair,” “how long do we have to stay here?”  In every case, communication is essential.

Study:   Do intensive map, cultural and historical studies about places you plan to visit and then match it with your kids’  list of things to do. No amount of persuasion will convince them to see more museums, churches or historical sites after the first few you visit(we required 4 museums, 5 churches/mosques and 3 waterparks on our 6 month trip.) Make your kids an important part of the discussion, having them map out and research the things they are interested in.

Make room:  Backpack contents swell during travel. No law of physics supports this; but it’s true, you will always come back fatter than when you left.

Practice:   Try living out of your backpack or suitcase one week before you hit the road.  In that time, you should know what you need, what you don’t.  Re-pack.

One essential thing:   Never forget your ‘security blanket.’   For me, it was my pillow which made rest that much better.  And during those times of great stress, it could substitute as  punching bag.

Another essential thing:    A ball, a deck of cards and a pencil and pad.  Make trivia your friend.

Road trips have residual power . . . . . they increase in value long after the trip is over.   The trials of being on the road with your family, will become moments of fond reflection or at least comic relief in years to come.  You’re a family; embrace the confusion.  Tell the fortune-telling gypsy Madam Gooseberry, to mind her own business.  You and your kids face  challenges every day and you know them better than she does.                                      This isn’t your first rodeo.

Dawn

Family

Glue

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“Krazy Glue” is just a snazzy name for adhesive.  This stuff ‘sticks like crazy.’  At least that’s what they say. But whether you go for the ‘Krazy,’ or the ‘Super’ or “Rhino” or ‘Gorilla Glue’ you must remember one thing for certain; The stuff isn’t going to work unless you have at least two separate components to adhere.

Be careful:  I heard of a lady who was trying to glue together a broken teacup, smudging the extra goo off with her finger.  She touched her finger to her thumb – you know, to test the stickiness.  And she found it very effective.  For the next seven days, the lady walked around, finger to thumb making that age old “okay sign” to everyone who saw her.

Merriam-Webster says ‘glue’ is:  “any of various strong adhesive substances . . . . used for sticking things together.”

 The Hirn family decided to return to the life of travel with Ryan’s three brothers, for a variety of reasons:  Education, experience, meeting the people of the world, lifting up others who had suffered in their own lives, giving our kids perspective about how lucky American children really are, and building confidence.

The by-product of this trip was glue.   It was that invisible bond that pulled us together.  We were each other’s best friends, worst enemies, complaint department, sparring partners, punching bags and teddy bears.

We depended upon each other every day; from a good night’s sleep, to food, to finding transportation, or a friend for a good game of soccer.

That’s the thing that happens when you put two or more people who not only love, but like each other.  Now that the boys are getting older,  I miss those days.  Don’t waste a minute of your time with your family.

Spend time with your family while you have the opportunity.   Carve out some time for your kids, for your husband, for your wife.  Shut down the electronics for a few hours.  Glue just isn’t as effective when you are not paying attention.   Take adventures together.  Talk together, walk, play games, eat dinner, just sit on the dock or on the porch.    No matter what kind of glue you choose to hold you together, grab it. And ‘stick like Krazy!’

 Memorial Day is a perfect opportunity to make memories! 

Dawn

American Idol
Family · Travel

American Idol

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What about the book:  “The Ugly American”. . . . . have you read it?  It was 1958, smack dab in the middle of the cold war between Russia and U.S.-the novel was set in an American Southeast Asian country. We were losing our struggle against communism (fiction, folks) because of the ineptness and bungling of the US Diplomatic Corp, being too arrogant to take time to understand local culture. (Reminder:  all fiction is based on some truth.)   And the lead character says:  *“A mysterious change seems to come over Americans when they go to a foreign land. They isolate themselves socially. They live pretentiously. They are loud and ostentatious.”

American’s were pigeon-holed!  Of course, the worst of these stories made the newsfeeds. There were places in the world where Americans were not treated fairly because, we were told, foreigners thought ‘Americans were pompous, arrogant and selfish.’

When the Hirn family stepped onto the scene 50 years later, our reception was quite the opposite.  The Asian people treated us like Rock Stars.  Each day was a series of photo-ops and the guys held up beautifully during the pressure of performance. Parents love to credit themselves for their kids’ good behavior.  And after all, Ron and I had drummed into the boys the importance of accepting everyone, regardless of race or religion or looks.  But if we get credit for the good behavior, must we take blame for the bad behavior?

Ron and couldn’t have been more proud of the guys.  They followed our lead to engage with the people as much as possible, to smile, reach out and be patient for the Asian Paparazzi.

And for 5 weeks, we experienced what it was like to be an American Idol.  What a great feeling!

And then, we went to France . . . .

Have a great weekend!

*Lederer, William J; Burdick, Eugene (1958). The Ugly American