For a more recent post on the topic of an empty nest, click here.
This weekend a small miracle occurred—our family went camping. All four of us. Together.
The last time we were all together for a weekend camping trip was 2008, but on that trip we were camping with my sister-in-law. The last time all four of us camped by ourselves was in 2007.
That’s right, eight years ago!
And, in case you’re wondering, camping is one of our favorite summer activities. One we used to enjoy multiple times each summer.
It used to be so easy…
When your kids are young, going on a family camping trip entails checking your spouse’s work schedule, packing lots of extra clothes, and figuring out how to take the camper plus all the bikes. Then they get involved in sports and schedules become a little more complicated. Then one day you wake up and realize your kids have jobs and it has become impossible to arrange everyone’s schedule to allow an entire weekend together.
Fortunately for us, a wise friend warned us that we only had a brief window between when the youngest was old enough to enjoy things and when the oldest began summer jobs. We made the most of that window, taking three big vacations out west during those years.
Then our oldest got a job at a summer camp. No more free weekends for him. No more family camping trips for us.
My husband and I have been camping since 2008, sometimes just the two of us and sometimes with one boy or the other. But it sure was nice to enjoy an entire weekend together–just the four of us.
Who knows when the next chance will come. Next summer the youngest graduates from college and begins a new adventure. He’ll most likely start a job before the one in grad school has his much-too-brief August break.
It may be years before we can get the whole family together at the same place on the same weekend. So we savored the moments.
Make the most of your time together while you still can
Be aware, all of you parents who still have kids at home, your family time is shorter than you think!
Don’t let these years slip away, while you plan “that big trip” for next year … or the one after. Do it now.
You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks for this, Lisa! We’re in that bracket now – the youngest is old enough to enjoy things, but the oldest is still too young for a job. Thinking about it that way, and realizing how soon this reality will pass us by, makes me all the more determined to soak up these years.
Our kids grow up long before we are ready for it, so keep making the most of your few years. (You’re off to a good start already)
I now know this though a bit late..we are having difficulty even scheduling a day together…..
I feel your pain.
What a blessing to have that precious time together, Lisa! A couple weeks ago we had two of three of our kids home for their cousin’s wedding and it was so nice to have a couple of days with them home, let alone on a vacation. Now they’re spread across the country. How fleeting those last few years are when you can all vacation together. It’s so great you were able to plan the special trips you did.
We were very grateful for that wise advice. Who knows where the boys will be next year, or in five years….