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Often when we think of excursions, we think of journeys to far off place. We think of visiting towns, cities, states, and countries we have not yet seen. We even think of new adventures involving archaeological digs in Egypt, safaris in Africa, hiking to the top of the highest mountains, or skiing the slopes of the Swiss Alps.
Soon reality sets in and we realize that as dreamy as those places seem, we just do not have the finances to fund such an excursion. So what’s a mother to do? How does mom spend time with her son without it seeming boring? How can mom prepare such an exciting adventure that her son will want to do this every year? Where does one find the finances for such excursions?
Excursions really are not anything more than an overnight journey that involves a few points of interest, a little adventure and someone to share it all with. Excursions are nothing more than the departure from one place to arrive at a totally different place.
With this in mind, let’s set up a few mother and son excursions that are sure to keep him coming back for more:
1. An overnight trip to his favorite amusement park. While your son is in school, head on over to the hotel room and fill it with a bunch of his favorite junk food and video games. On his bed, place a card that says something to the effect, "Son, thank you for being such a wonderful child. Through all our ups and downs, you still make me proud."
2. An overnight camping trip to the closest mountains. Pack up some backpacks for a hiking adventure or fishing gear to catch some fish. Among the camping gear, include some water balloons or mushy food for a food fight. And don’t forget to pack his favorite trail mix and that special card telling him how wonderful he is.
3. An overnight train ride, with no real destination in site. Gather your hard earned money and see how far you can get with two round trip tickets. Don’t forget to ask for a cabin so that you can spend some one on one quality time with each other. Pack his favorite board games as well as CD player and music. You will be eating in the dining car, so there is no need to pack food; unless you cannot afford the price of the meals. This time, bring along your favorite picture of him. Write a letter stating why it is your favorite picture and the special memories it holds for you.
4. Where was that hotel that he said would be cool to stay at? Didn’t it have a pool? Next time summer becomes too hot to handle, head on over to that hotel and book a room. In the room, decorate it with tons of balloons and a small gift with a note that says, "Just because I care." Take your son to the movies and instead of going home, head on over to the hotel. Don’t forget to order breakfast in, as you aren’t bringing any junk food this time.
5. What was it he said last week? "Mom, I want to ride a horse." Check out the local equestrian stables to see which ones have overnight rides. They will usually include a dinner, some cowboy songs over an open fire, and some roasted marshmallows. Because there will be others along for the ride, you don’t want to embarrass him with any mushy stuff, so leave all of that at home.
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