Family Time is the Best Time
I love the summertime. It’s definitely my favorite time of year. It’s so much easier to do things together as a family when the weather is nice outside. My oldest daughter Chani gets to spend multiple weeks with us in the summer, and having her around just warms my heart. Lori and I also planned both Ty and Caitlin’s births so that she could have the summer off on maternity leave.
To me, nothing beats having the entire family together, especially when we can do things outside. We enjoy having cookouts and going for walks; playing at the park and going shopping at outdoor malls; riding four wheelers and swimming in the pool. Even though my allergies have gotten worse with age, I still prefer to be outside with family than inside and alone.
My parents come up from Georgia to visit us every summer, and I always look forward to seeing them. They were here last week, and we had a great time with them. On Wednesday, we took a trip over to Harper’s Ferry, WV, to see the historic town and walk along the train bridge. We also had fun splashing in the Shenandoah River, just before where it joins up with the Potomac. The day was topped off with a quick stop at our favorite ice cream stand there. It was exactly the kind of day where bonds are strengthened and spirits are lifted. It was quality family time.
We’ve also been very fortunate to be able to take some incredible family vacations over the past few years, including two trips to Disney with Lori’s family and one trip to Myrtle Beach with mine. The best thing about these trips is seeing how much fun the kids have with us and each other. It’s also nice to feel the love of family surrounding you, and it’s exciting to create positive memories that you know will last for a lifetime.
Family time is definitely the best time. What are some of the things you like to do with your family?
Share in the comments – we could all use some more ideas 
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Apparently I need to write more about this topic.
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Comment by VegasDad on 13 July 2008:
We’re all about family time here too. Nothing beats it. We make a concerted effort to do things every weekend. Unfortunately, on account of the excessive heat, summertime here is the worst time for it. It’s a struggle for us during these months.
VegasDads latest discovery was..sunday confessions
Comment by Matt on 13 July 2008:
Totally agree, Jeremy. I have some great memories from my “partying days”, but they all pale in comparison to the ones I have since having my family with me.
Also, I noticed you are mysteriously missing from the shot in front of the White Hall Tavern. Hmmmm…wonder where you could be in that one?
Matts latest discovery was..My Husband Is Famous!
Comment by Kevin (ReturnToManliness) on 13 July 2008:
I live Vegas too and the heat can sometimes be overwhelming. Not too bad if you can stay out of the sun, but in the sun is like being back in Michigan during February – ridiculous.
Doesn’t matter where you are though, summertime means playtime. Stay hydrated out there folks! If you have ever gone through a bad bout of dehydration, you will never want to go through it again!!!
I can’t wait to take my 4 month old on vacations when he gets a little older. I simply can’t wait!!!!
Comment by Dad of Divas on 13 July 2008:
I love family time as well and it simply amazes me at the wonder in my daughters’ eyes at the new things they are experiencing for the 1st time. Here in Wisconsin, I love it in our neighborhood, where people sit out on their driveways in the summer and everyone comes over to talk…it is great! I miss this in the winter when we hardly ever see our neighbors due to the frigid weather!
Comment by Jeremy on 13 July 2008:
I love the heat, but I understand that it’s harder to take little kids out in it. Vegas is one of my favorite places to visit
Winter – I hate it!
Comment by Mrs.4444 on 14 July 2008:
Looks like you’re making the most of your summer
We went fishing yesterday; didn’t catch much, but we had fun!
Mrs.4444s latest discovery was..Weekly Winners (a day "late")
Comment by Jeremy on 15 July 2008:
Fishing with the family is always fun!
Comment by Whit on 15 July 2008:
It’s been 105 and hotter for a couple of weeks now. Our outside time is being rationed and frankly I’m against it.
Whits latest discovery was..5 Days in One Rambling Paragraph
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