We are about to embark on our family summer vacation. In our family, we have a tendency to do things in a complicated manner. We don’t take the direct flight to the all-inclusive resort. No, for our vacation, we are going to Wisconsin – a destination that takes two plane trips, an overnight lay over, and a three-hour car ride. Oh, and I did I mention, my two children, ages 7 and 3, will be tagging along.

Now, I know what you’re thinking…something like, “Are you insane? What the h*%ll are you doing??” Believe me, I have asked myself the same question over and over and I am a little stumped how my husband convinced me to take such a trip without the usual bribes of money or jewelry.

What I need before I go is an attitude adjustment. Still holding onto the benefits of positive thinking, I am submitting for your review my “Positive Predictions” for our upcoming days away.

Part One: Plane Ride to Chicago
Even though they are predicting monsoon weather conditions, our flight will take off on time and fly in clear skies. Our children will sit quietly in their seats and possibly nap a little while in route. This will give me an opportunity to read my new novel and sip some wine on this turbulent-free flight. My husband will be relaxed and calm, not the typical “I-am-the-man-and-I-am-in-charge-and-if-things-go-wrong-I-will-blow-a-gasket”. We will arrive early in Chicago. Our luggage will be the first off of the baggage claim and my husband surprises us with a limo ride to the hotel. We spend the evening swimming in lavish pools before ordering room service.

Part Two: Overnight in Chicago
The children will awake after a long night’s sleep. There will be no arguing about what cartoons to watch nor will they fight over who gets to push the button on the elevator. We will have a leisurely morning and my husband will resist the urge to get to the airport three hours in advance. After breakfast by the poolside, at the encouragement of my husband, I will shop in the hotel store for a few goodies before going to our next destination.

Part Three: Plane Ride to Wisconsin
As we arrive at the airport, I am pleased to learn that we will be flying a large jet rather than a prop plane to Wisconsin. This puts my mind at ease because I get especially nervous when I see propellers whirling on what looks like a child’s toy plane. The trip is uneventful and the children decide to pass the time reading books rather than using electronics.

Part Four: Road Trip to Lake House Somewhere in Wisconsin
We arrive at the quaint airport in Wisconsin. Once again, the bags arrive promptly and our rental car will be waiting for us complete with a free upgrade to a luxury model. We hit the road and my husband offers to stop several times for sight seeing and to sample some cheese at the charming cheese houses scattered alongside the highway.

Once we arrive at the Lake House, our friends greet us and introduce their children to ours. The kids then race off to the lake while the grown-ups enjoy a glass of wine before dinner. The bugs that normally occupy this part of the region are mysteriously absent and we enjoy our time free of bug bites and free from the smell of bug spray.

So there you have it – I have officially put this out into the universe and am fully expecting my “Positive Predictions” to come true (it’s amazing that I can still type with my fingers crossed). Assuming we have internet service – which I am sure we will – I will let you know the outcome. In the mean time, let me know what you are doing this 4th of July week! I want to hear from you.

3 Comments

chris said:

Paige,
I'm so proud of your optimism! My prediction is that ALL of your predictions will come true -- except for the one about Shay offering to stop several times...I see him as a little more "task oriented" than that. Enjoy yourselves! As for us, we'll be sitting here watching it rain! Looking forward to seeing you guys!
Chris

July 3, 2007 3:28 PM

Brandi said:

I will have to try your "Postive Predictions" when I take my 1 year old to CA at the end of the summer. My 1 year old who refuses to sit still and hates to sleep in pack and plays (:

July 8, 2007 1:23 PM

Brandi said:

I will have to try your "Postive Predictions" when I take my 1 year old to CA at the end of the summer. My 1 year old who refuses to sit still and hates to sleep in pack and plays (:
Hope it went as predicted!

July 8, 2007 1:24 PM

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