Holiday Road

When I was growing up, we didn't get a chance to go on vacation that much. Many of our friends would go with their parents on an annual road trip, some even got to go to sleepover summer camp, as well. We had friends who went to Disney World every year, friends who attended annual family reunions, or friends who went someplace new every year.

If my memory serves me correctly, we never went on a "road trip," specifically. That special time where siblings annoy one another over seat space and entertainment options, while parents argue over maps and places to eat.

I think the big reason we didn't go on road trips was because my dad worked for American Airlines. We got to fly what is called "non revenue," which meant all my parents had to pay were the taxes on the flight. Flying non-rev has its advantages and disadvantages. We got to fly to London to visit my brother, Darrell, who spent 4 1/2 years there in the Air Force. None of my friends ever went to Europe once, let alone the two times we got to go. We also got to fly there first class. I was only 14 so I didn't get to enjoy all of the perks, but they were a plenty. Ice cream sundaes, caviar, real silverware, hot towels. It was a treat. We also had to wear dress clothes and get to the airport four hours before everyone else, so we could secure seats.

We did go to Arizona a couple of times to visit my aunt and uncle. They were the only family members to leave Chicago and remain gone permanently. I don't remember much about those trips though, which is disappointing. I remember being hot during the day, seeing a snake on the side of the road, learning about and becoming very afraid of tarantulas, and getting sick at night.

Cyndi's life, on the other hand, was completely different. Her parents were (and remain) mobile. They owned a couple of motor homes, and would travel the country throughout her life. She has wonderful memories of time spent seeing different American states; those highlights people always laugh about and mock in Chevy Chase inspired movies. It's important to her to pass this along to the kids.

A couple of years ago, we decided that we would, in fact, plan a family road trip every year. We've done an east coast trip (Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, DC), and we've traveled the Midwest (IL and MO). Cyndi feels that anything within 1,000 miles is fair game. I agree. I plan the route and book the hotels, and Cyndi does all of the research for us to explore along the way.

We've also started to include short trips too; like the one we are on right now. We drove 7 1/2 hours (two stops) through Indianapolis, Dayton, and Columbus, OH. Presently, we are in Zanesville, OH; a place I consider a second home. We are here for my company's holiday party. It's a chance for Cyndi and the kids to meet my co-workers, and enjoy a little quality time.

We've got a small agenda; our primary goal will be accomplished soon. Whatever happens the rest of the weekend is bonus.

I'm of the opinion that we are doing a very good thing here. For us. For the kids. For the family. We are creating good memories. The kids may look fondly on the weekend we spent, driving 7 1/2 hours for a three hour party, playing "Name That Tune" on my iPod, rocking out to Guns n' Roses on I70, and being together.