A friend of mine who lives in Michigan shared how she and her husband had saved their money for several years to finally afford their dream vacation to Disney World. The air fare, expensive hotels, and theme park admissions added up to a high price for a family of five. They were so excited when the big day finally came! She said they had a good time, but went on to tell me that her seven-year-old son was not all that impressed with the Disney magic. He got bored waiting in long lines and had much more fun chasing lizards with an empty Solo cup!

Please understand that I have nothing against Disney World! I have been there and enjoyed it. But somehow our materialistic society has caused many families to believe the lie that quality family time comes with a big price tag.  Not so!

Since we now live in south Florida, the winter months are the best time to enjoy the outdoors. Last weekend my daughter-in-law needed to get out of the house. With a two-and-a-half-year-old daughter and 4-month-old-twins, this stay-at-home mom is truly a stay-at-home mom! My son, my husband and I, my daughter-in-law, and her parents packed up the little ones and a few necessities and headed to a local park with a fishing pond. We found some shade, laid down quilts for the babies, set up some camping chairs and enjoyed the outdoors. We caught sunfish with a kiddie fishing pole from Walmart and  shared a box of pizza we picked up on the way. We stayed until sunset! This low-budget family day was one that will go down in the memory albums. No air fare, no fancy hotels, no expensive admission fees.  Just a day of family fun in God’s creation–Mayberry R.F.D. style!

I am sure many of our blog readers have similar stories to share. We would love to hear them!

Here’s to catching sunfish and eating pizza in the shade!

Crystal Bowman