Our last family trip, in 2003, was for our appearance on Oprah. Eight of our eleven kids were teenagers at the time, and it’s taken me this long to build up the courage – and desire – to try again.
We rose Christmas morning to find 11 pair of combat boots – each with a red bow – and 11 bags of gear under our Christmas tree. Thick wool socks, winter gloves, long underwear. Even our stockings – hung with care – brimmed with balaclavas.
Here We Go
The next morning, we literally squeezed into our 15-passenger van. WOWwww–a ! Three of my six sons are well over six feet tall. Their legs are longer than the seats! My teen daughters packed enough clothes for hourly wardrobe changes. The sibling ‘scarcasm’ and food fights began.
Immediately, Dave went into ‘ops’ mode.
When we stopped for gas and a bathroom break, I reminded the kids not to wear their balaclavas in the convenience stores. There was no need to be shot by a storeowner thinking he was being robbed.
I asked Dave if it is considered an ‘open container’ to have White Zinfandel in my camel back as we were traveling. He was silent. Did that mean, “no?”
Crazy! Awesome! Wicked! Family Quotes
Over the next few days, we drove in 4-wheeldrive vehicles, operated ATV’s in rough terrain, spun doughnuts on a snow-covered skid pad, and even learned CQC (Close Quarter Combat) techniques. And, of course, we went sledding and played paintball in the snow.
Bruises and welts. Wind burned cheeks and frozen toes. Muscle aches and sprains. Laughter until we cried. It was exactly what we needed - to bond - once again.
The snow tipped mountains sparkled as the sun smiled – no, chuckled, with us for all three adventure filled days.
 RELATIONSHIP TIP
Over the years, Dave and I have learned to remain in loving relationship with our kids as we parented through the broken curfews, slipping grades, visits to traffic court, etc. The fruit of remaining in relationship, especially during the more challenging times, meets our greatest basic human needs: emotional connectedness and a deep sense of belonging.
We all blow it – spouses, children, parents. This might be a good year to resolve to 1) gain better relational tools, 2) learn the most effective way to deal with unwanted behaviors, and 3) re-commit to building loving relationships.
|
Cheri is trained in Crucial Conversations by Vital Smarts, a Certified Parent Instructor, BCI and Certified Parent Instructor, Love and Logic. She is the recipient of the Human Rights Award from VA Beach HRC and the Parents Day Award from the American Coalition of Virginia.
She has made appearances on Oprah, Good Morning America and ABC Family. www.aCupofCoaching.com
cheri@aCupofCoaching.com
(757) 615-8110
|
