Our goal this summer was to focus on quality, not quantity with our kids.  Living on a farm with a hoard of hens, goats and various other responsibilities (including work) means that a 2 week family vacation isn’t all that easy to manage.  So, instead of focussing on what we couldn’t do, we decided to enjoy what we COULD do.

This has meant a lot of stay cations, and over nighters with just one parent and one kid, which creates an interesting opportunity of it’s own.

I have been able to spend one on one time with each of my kids this summer, just me and them. We would do what they wanted, have meals they enjoyed and I was able to give them 100% of what they needed, no sibling rivalry around.

I just had an overnighter with my 10 year old, and being the middle child, having her on her own is a rarity. She is often tagging along with either her big sister, or little brother, easily adapting to either one. And being the “gung-ho” gal she is, she was also keep TO join in the fun.

But, this weekend is was just the two of us, which let me see her as she truly is.

We planned a “spa” day at home. It was a hot day, and she was done being outside, so the two of us did pedicures, and face masks and watched sappy movies.  She chose our lunch menu (cheese and crackers with spicy meat and a fruit plate) and our dinner menu (chicken “goop” with ginger ale)  We had ice cream and Werther’s candies as our “treats” and spent extra time with our farm critters.

What did I learn?
I learned that even when faced with a huge selection of treats and sweets, she is a minimalist and only chooses what she needs and wants.

I learned that she likes soppy movies, with happy endings, and that she STILL sleeps like an octopus.

I learned that even after all these years, a manicure done by your child is never very nice looking, but when you look down at your garish fingers and toes, the memories of the event make it beautiful.

I learned that she CAN sleep in, she likes her ice cream hard and not melted (insanity) and she still needs to snuggle.

We had a peaceful and simple time together, and I look forward to the next time we can do it again.