Who can forget the adventures of the Griswolds as they took their first major vacation together. Movies are supposed to imitate real life, and, in this case, I can attest to some of the same kinds of difficulties that family faced as they traveled on a quest to Wally World. If we were to put all of our family road trips together, we’d have a first-class sequel. Once I reveal some of them, you may think twice about packing up the car and venturing out to the open road with the entire family, luggage and dog. There wasn’t a dead body on the rooftop, but we could relate to just about everything else.

The van was filled with more than living things. We were up to our ears in various snacks, and cold drinks, games and other diversions. We were no different than the Griswolds.  Family vacations really do bring you closer – if you like sitting on each other’s laps or can bear the smell of body odor for more than an hour at a time. Oh, the joys of the open road – where you can leave all your troubles behind and just enjoy the blessings of God’s creation – well almost.

Many times, a famous landmark was completely missed because of the diversions. This was before cell phones and other electronics. “Never leave your children to their own devices,” a quote from my husband. Think about the Children of Israel.  They had a forty year family vacation in the wilderness.  No wonder they complained so much.

We experienced a Road to the Sun excursion in the rain and fog. We took a trail ride on horseback. We sat in an auto shop while our car was being repaired after a fender bender. We sang songs together – reluctantly by the three kids. Actually, I was the only one singing. We played I Spy with my little eye. We saw gorgeous farmsteads, hills and valleys, McDonald’s signs, Wall Drug signs, Burma shave signs. There were sheep, goats, cows, buffalo, prairie dogs and other assorted wildlife. Our plans to pamper ourselves with a stay in an inn, was soon dampened by the appearance of the Bates Motel. We managed to maintain our status as a family during this adventure. Amazingly, we were still talking to each other when we returned home. These experiences have also given me a lot of material to write about.

“Traveling with family is like a game of charades. Utter chaos, but always a blast.” Will Ferrell