| Use two elements to create a vacation memory that | | | | spirits and makes us feel bold when darkness is all |
| will last a lifetime. Boating during the day, on the | | | | around. The land just off a body of water usually |
| water for hours, and then a warm fire at night to | | | | starts to get a bit chill at sundown, and if we've been |
| chase the chills away and stimulate the imagination; | | | | out on the boat all day, a nice toasty fire is just the |
| what could be better? | | | | thing. |
| Many of us, because of the economy, have had to | | | | Lazing around the fire pit, feeling the soreness of the |
| pare down on the luxuries. The family summer | | | | day bake out; now is the time for songs and stories. |
| vacation, for instance, has taken a big hit. The | | | | Tales can be told of bold pirates, sailing the Seven |
| destinations have become closer to home, or | | | | Seas and making everyone think twice about |
| vacation time is shorter. Even people with their own | | | | disrespecting the Jolly Roger... |
| boats are having the same problem. They are having | | | | This may take a bit of preparation beforehand, if you |
| to stay closer to home, not spend as much time on | | | | aren't the story telling type, but there are sources on |
| the boat, or making adjustments like forgetting | | | | line that can help you in your pirate persona. Kids of |
| motels or rented cabins and staying in campgrounds. | | | | all ages think pirates are totally cool. Do you know |
| Not only do we feel a bit pinched and put-upon, but | | | | there is a National Talk Like a Pirate Day? You can do |
| our older children do as well. Younger kids can just | | | | this. |
| slide through harder times, because they know no | | | | Then, re-christen your boat something sinister and |
| difference. Older kids, though, may feel these | | | | cool. Give each other pirate names. Spend the day on |
| circumstances keenly, and that can make lots of | | | | the water, and return to your fire pit at sundown. |
| worries for them about the future. It is up to us | | | | Sing and tell stories about the pirating ways. |
| then, as parents, to make the vacation we have as | | | | Fantasy and reality blend to make this a really one of |
| fun and memorable as possible. | | | | a kind vacation. Your Pirate Vacation could become a |
| Fire pits to the rescue! The element of fire lifts our | | | | family tradition. |