A couple of weeks ago, I thought maybe we'd mix it up a bit this year. Take a mini-vacation. Head to the Smokies. To Destin. To St. Louis. Whatever. So I pitched it, but my idea was DOA. My son already had a scout trip planned that weekend. My daughter had a doctor's appointment on one of the two days she was out of school. Yada yada yada.
I didn't bail on the idea completely. Kind of just retreated and thought a bit more about it. And then Tuesday, it hit me.
Since my first proposal, my son's first scout trip was cancelled but then replaced with another. My daughter's doctor called to say their appointment software screwed up, and she was double booked with another patient. (Always the software - never the registrar.) So they moved her appointment and freed up her day. And the wife generally enjoys an empty house.
So last night, I proposed to take my daughter to Chicago for a couple of days while my son is on his backpacking trip. Win for him as he gets time outdoors. Win for the wife as she'll have an empty house. Win for my daughter in getting to do something fun (I hope). Win for me in scoring major points with my girl.
Among things I've brainstormed to do in a 2 to 3 day period are :
- the Sears Tower (perhaps including the new *gulp* observation outcrop skydeck).
- The Blue Man Group show
- Ferris wheel at Navy Pier
- And as painful as this is to type...the Date With Dad event at the American Girl store.
So the idea seed has been planted in my own mind and shared with the wife. It has not yet been discussed with my daughter yet because here is the dilemma I face.
I'm cheap. Frugal. Tightfisted. I like to travel...for work. I enjoy trying different foods and booze...on an expense report. I like a variety of entertainment options...when I can get comp tickets.
This mini-weekend idea of mine may well cost me a grand with 2 airfares, show tickets, American Girl tea and souvenirs (blech...), 2 hotel nights, meals, etc.
Let me hear from you. Chime in here. I need to hear from my peeps like never before. Spend the jack for a weekend with my 11 year-old? Or hold onto it and just do something fun locally?
Comment early and often as time is of the essence.
TMC
There is a great book (& even some stories in the Tennessean) about day-trips from Nashville. Pick a cool place to visit & even get lunch reservations. Get the book & let her pick it out.
ReplyDeleteGo to Chicago!! She's only 11 once!
ReplyDelete-Leslie
IM TORN... SOUNDS GOOD ON PAPER, BUT SHE IS ONLY 11. IN A COUPLE MORE YEARS SHE WILL HOLD ON TO THE MEMORIES LONGER.
ReplyDeleteIT AINT GETTIN ANY CHEAPER.
CHICAGO AINT CHEAP.
TRY THE LOCAL OR SEMI LOCAL ROUTE FIRST. UDR
This will be a memory that she'll cherish forever. I say do it, and do it in style. When she's older, and too cool for dad, you'll wish you had spent some one on one time with her. I'm impressed with the thought you've put into it!
ReplyDeleteI think you should go. I agree with the comment above that as she gets older you may not have as many opportunities to have a daddy daughter weekend. As a daddies girl myself, one of the most memorable trips I took ,when I was little, was with just my father. We went to the beach and had a blast. I think it's a great bonding experience. Plus, if you are wanting to save money, you don't have to go to all of the activities where you have to spend money. I am sure you can get creative. :) - Kristi
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Tina. In another year, your daughter won't be bothered to spend a weekend with Dad. Unclench, and take advantage of the time while you can. You can always make more money; she'll only be Daddy's Little Girl for a couple more years.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an easy decision to me....take a fun trip to Chicago!! You may not have many more opportunities like this at this stage in her life. If you're looking to save a few bucks on airfare, visit the Atlanta location of American Girl - they have the same Date with Dad event on 10/18 and 10/21....could save on airfare by making the quick drive. Either way, I think it would be a memorable time! I think Atlanta also has a fairly new huge acquarium to visit.
ReplyDeleteOhh, yes - the aquarium in Hotlanta is pretty awesome :)
ReplyDeleteunclinch the fist, let the money flow, as tight as you are, you've saved enough to have a good time with your daughter. Easy for me to say right? Like I have any kids, LOL. Go, have a good time, and don't forget to pull a Ferris Bueller and sing "Twist and Shout" downtown!
ReplyDelete