This is the weekend to hang out together, do girlie stuff, eat yummy food and have Mum all to themselves (oh and a good chance to talk about how they are 'changing')
When I planned the first weekend when Kaysha was 11, it didn't have the excitement and anticipation I had intended. She was not keen at all. (Kaysha is not usually excited about trying new things)
So I persevered with the plans and continued to try and get Kaysha on board, as well as Mike having a wee chat to Kaysha about the effort that was going in to it.
Needless to say we had a GREAT weekend at Whangamata,and by the time Ambers turn came it wasn't hard at all to convince her to come along, to a new secret location, and by the time Tahlia turned 11 she kept asking "when are we going away for my birthday weekend?"
So I booked the accommodation, (which remained a secret until the night before) bought canvases to paint, Blank cards for cardmaking and scrapbooking supplies.
Now all that was needed to was to pack the clothes and buy the yummy food! (mmmm peanut butter chocolate!!)
As we drive to the destination we listen to a CD produced by Parents Inc, which talks about how they are growing up and things are changing for them, which driving in a car is a great way to have their full attention. We pause for questions and answers, and because I am listening to it too they know the discussions can continue because I heard what they heard.
Once we arrived a Papamoa, Tahlia was super excited! She unpacked all her clothes and shoes into drawers and cupboards. Made up her bed. And kept running up and down the stairs (they were a novelty for her).
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| This is her bed 'upstairs' |
We made ourselves at home and spread out all the 'things to do' and made a good old mess of the place.
It seems the canvases they paint (and mine) on these weekends always hold a special place in their hearts and memories.
Here a some photos of all the fun we had:
Tahlia normally has alot to say, but I found this weekend she was not fighting for attention and was quite content just to hang out. It is not a side of her I see often in the everyday family setting. Which shows me how important one on one time is with all my children.
This was the last 11 year old weekend away for me and my girls, (which makes me sad) so I need to think upon another special weekend tradition we can all look forward to.
Kaysha suggested a Father/Daughter weekend away!! Which we all know where they will be going for that..... to the bush!!!
I think its awesome that that was even suggested. It certainly shows the love they have for their Dad and the need to also spend one on one time with him.
I love my girls and I love seeing them grow, and sharing their journey with them!
