We recently got a reminder of what it’s like to be a family of three — something we haven’t really experienced in more than 20 years, since our second child was born.
A vacation to the West Coast included myself, my husband and 23-year-old C, our oldest. Because of the timing (trip was prompted by a wedding invite), our middle son was back at college and our daughter stayed home (at a friend’s house) for the start of high school and the fall season athletic practices she was required to attend in the days leading up to school’s start.
So the three of us had eight days together to have fun with family members we don’t often see and then explore part of the country we’d never experienced. It was great! Of course, it would have been nice to have the whole family together, but the dynamic with just the three of us was relaxed and easy. No arguments or grouchiness or fights over the hotel bathroom or where we should have dinner.
C had a good time and was happy to visit the places, have the experiences and see the sights that will now sit in his memory bank. We hiked in the Redwood National Forest, drove along the northern California coast and then into the Western Cascades, making our way to Crater Lake, where we hiked up a nearby mountain for a spectacular view. Then it was back through the mountains to Route 101 and the northern Oregon coast. Our trip ended after an exploration of the city of Portland.
It may very well be the last vacation we take with C, since he is looking to move on and start his own life and memories — minus his parents. I’m happy to have these trip memories for myself!
Hi Rebecca,
Sounds like a great vacation and I agree that it is sometimes really nice to have time with one child to form a unique memory. Loved the photo! Sue