When a child is in 4th grade, there is a program that gets them a free national parks pass for a year for themselves and their families. Since I have a 4th grader, this seemed like a very important thing to pay attention to. I had a few days of leave I could take for spring break, so we begged my brother to tag along, and we went down to the Grand Canyon, or the Canyon that is Grand, as my 6 year old has dubbed it.
Elementary School age children are awesome. Well, at least mine are. The things they get excited about are thrilling to me. I remember my family road trips as some of the best times of my childhood. I am hoping to recreate some of these moments for my children. Before we left I talked to them about wanting them to enjoy the scenery and the time together, so rather than bringing movies to watch, we brought the Harry Potter books 5 and 6 on CD. I was really worried about this decision, because I did not know if this would work out well. To my surprise, it was a lovely idea, and we all enjoyed listening to the story and seeing all the sights on our drive.
We set up the tent and the whole time my youngest kept saying "Thank you for bringing us to Arizona" while my oldest kept explaining to me why different stones looked the way they did.
It was too cold for camping, but we did it anyway. Both children were snuggled up next to me by morning, but they seemed to think this was the greatest thing ever, not some sort of punishment.
Inside the Canyon that is Grand, my youngest used her Christmas Money to buy a back pack, walking stick, and compass in order to complete her ablility to be a Junior Ranger. She then took it upon herself to teach anyone that would listen about not feeding the animals, having snacks and water in your backpack, and staying on the trail.
My oldest bought a book about rocks and a bag full of rocks so she could learn about all the differences between them. We took several pictures and I was reminded of how unfit I am when I saw people climbing up and down the canyon with ease.
After a day driving in rain and snow, happy spring break, we also drove through Zion National Park. Zion is my favorite National Park. I love how it feels like you are right in the center of the mountain. So did my little girl, as she let out a gasp, pointed out a mountain, and quietly proclaimed "I think that is where Mufasa died!"
When we arrived home, I talked to my oldest, because I had gotten a cold and a sunburn on the trip, so I was afraid it was not nearly as fun as it could have been. I asked her how she felt, and she told me that it was of course awesome! Really, it is her that is awesome. However, they assured me that they just enjoy spending time with me, and seeing new things.
Several questions came up for me in this trip. The biggest one is wondering if it is okay to just sleep in a car instead of your tent at the campground. My Honda Fit has an awesome feature where you can lay both seats down and pretty much make a bed, and it seems to me that this might be a better way to keep out both the cold and the bugs. Am I missing some sort of rule that says one must use a tent?
Another question I face is am I underestimating what my kids can do physically? I am not the most fit person, so hiking is slow going for me, but some of these more simple trails, could my girls have done them even at their ages? Likely, yes. I need to look at ways to bring more experiences to them without being so afraid.
Finally, am I trying to hard? I also think this answer is yes. Little things seem to make them happy. I had to say no to a lot, based upon money. They did not always like the no, but they dealt with it and had a good time anyway. I had a great time. I want to go back again to the Canyon that is Grand. I want to explore as much of this world as I possibly can.
Elementary School age children are awesome. Well, at least mine are. The things they get excited about are thrilling to me. I remember my family road trips as some of the best times of my childhood. I am hoping to recreate some of these moments for my children. Before we left I talked to them about wanting them to enjoy the scenery and the time together, so rather than bringing movies to watch, we brought the Harry Potter books 5 and 6 on CD. I was really worried about this decision, because I did not know if this would work out well. To my surprise, it was a lovely idea, and we all enjoyed listening to the story and seeing all the sights on our drive.
We set up the tent and the whole time my youngest kept saying "Thank you for bringing us to Arizona" while my oldest kept explaining to me why different stones looked the way they did.
It was too cold for camping, but we did it anyway. Both children were snuggled up next to me by morning, but they seemed to think this was the greatest thing ever, not some sort of punishment.
Inside the Canyon that is Grand, my youngest used her Christmas Money to buy a back pack, walking stick, and compass in order to complete her ablility to be a Junior Ranger. She then took it upon herself to teach anyone that would listen about not feeding the animals, having snacks and water in your backpack, and staying on the trail.
My oldest bought a book about rocks and a bag full of rocks so she could learn about all the differences between them. We took several pictures and I was reminded of how unfit I am when I saw people climbing up and down the canyon with ease.
After a day driving in rain and snow, happy spring break, we also drove through Zion National Park. Zion is my favorite National Park. I love how it feels like you are right in the center of the mountain. So did my little girl, as she let out a gasp, pointed out a mountain, and quietly proclaimed "I think that is where Mufasa died!"
When we arrived home, I talked to my oldest, because I had gotten a cold and a sunburn on the trip, so I was afraid it was not nearly as fun as it could have been. I asked her how she felt, and she told me that it was of course awesome! Really, it is her that is awesome. However, they assured me that they just enjoy spending time with me, and seeing new things.
Several questions came up for me in this trip. The biggest one is wondering if it is okay to just sleep in a car instead of your tent at the campground. My Honda Fit has an awesome feature where you can lay both seats down and pretty much make a bed, and it seems to me that this might be a better way to keep out both the cold and the bugs. Am I missing some sort of rule that says one must use a tent?
Another question I face is am I underestimating what my kids can do physically? I am not the most fit person, so hiking is slow going for me, but some of these more simple trails, could my girls have done them even at their ages? Likely, yes. I need to look at ways to bring more experiences to them without being so afraid.
Finally, am I trying to hard? I also think this answer is yes. Little things seem to make them happy. I had to say no to a lot, based upon money. They did not always like the no, but they dealt with it and had a good time anyway. I had a great time. I want to go back again to the Canyon that is Grand. I want to explore as much of this world as I possibly can.
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