Our kids’ bathroom needs updating. Badly. Other than a few minor, inexpensive cosmetic changes that we made after we moved in 11 years ago, that bathroom still has the same look it had when the house was built in 1992.
And, the thing is, we’ve had the money to do it. We save and save and save some more and then when it’s time to pull the trigger we look at each other and just know that we’re going to do something else with that money.
I think the realization first hit us when our oldest began middle school. Suddenly we were aware that the coming years would go by even more quickly than the ones before and that we had so many things we wanted to do and places we wanted to visit with our kids. So, we didn’t remodel the bathroom. Not just yet.
Instead, we’ve traveled.
So far, just within the last six months, we’ve taken the kids along with us to celebrate our twentieth wedding anniversary on Maui and last week we spent their spring break in our nation’s capital. We navigated the metro system together, cracked up at moments that are now cherished family inside jokes, soaked up so much history that eventually even my eyes started glazing over a bit, had absolutely incredible conversations about what a privilege it is to live in this great country and expanded our horizons by getting to know a new city and its people.
And, here’s the thing we’ve realized. You think you have eighteen years, but you don’t really. Yes, you have the younger years. But, let’s face it, traveling with small children is no vacation. The reality is that you only have this little window of time when they are old enough to be super easy traveling companions who will actually remember these adventures someday and are still living under your roof. Before long, we will be coordinating work schedules and college schedules and significant others and all of the other adult-ish things that are coming and while we are determined to still be intentional about prioritizing family adventures, we know it will get a little bit more tricky to pull off.
So, we’re ok with postponing some of the remaining updates to our home. We’re ok with the kids’ bathroom still having hints of it’s 1992 origins. Let’s face it, with a teen and a tween it’s gross in there most of the time anyway. And, we’ll get around to it…eventually.
But, in the meantime, we are going to keep adventuring together. We have a running list of places we all want to see and things we want to experience and we’re just going to keep checking them off one by one.
One of the evenings after we got back from D.C., my husband and I were sitting on the couch together and noticed how quiet it was. Our son was hanging out in his room while our daughter had started getting ready for bed. And we missed them. Sure, after being together non-stop for 6 days we were all relishing a little bit of separation, but something really special happens when you travel together.
You get to escape all of the distractions of everyday life and somewhere in the middle of that forced togetherness, away from the homework and the laundry and the activities, you get the chance to learn more about each other. To create new memories and laugh over old ones. To just ‘be’.
And as we reflected on this truth, my husband and I quickly began planning our next adventure. We’ll keep you posted! 😉
This is exactly what I hope my sons think about when they think about their growing up years: the adventures we had instead of the things we bought them.
I’m sure they do Cathleen! Thanks so much for stopping by!
You made me cry. You made me so homesick………. I was born in Washington. I know every crook and crannie. I live in Florida now, but if I could I would go home. I am so glad you got to visit my city and loved it as much as I do.
Oh we just absolutely loved your home city Linda! It is so beautiful and rich in history!
You guys are amazing, involved parents!!
Making them the priority – you go girl.
Good for you and your hubs – this is soooo much better, and take it from an empty nester- these years fly by faster than you can even take a breath. Enjoy EVERY single moment. God bless!
They’ll remember those wonderful times together so much more than they will remember the bathroom! Time is so precious and you’ve realized what’s most important!! Love, love this!!!
My father planned and took us on family vacations; Canada, the East Coast (including Washington DC), Utah…but my favorites were the annual road trips from Southern California to Northern California to visit his family. To this day — I love me a road trip! Thank you for sharing this – it brought tears to my eyes. I love the last picture of your daughter an her Dad.
Traveling is so much more fun!
Oh my goodness! This resonates strongly. We are now empty nesters and have a few (not too many) regrets. I wish we all could share this with young mothers in a way that changes schedules. My biggest regret is actually spending too much time on my house! While I love decorating and feel it brings a sense of calm and fun to our homes, there were times I over did it. For instance, I wish I’d spent all that time reorganizing cabinets and closets outside shooting hoops or sharing hot chocolate over a Parcheesi board. I’m determined to be more playful when grands come along. Great post! Thanks for the gentle reminder!
Smart momma!