We are in a very long process of remodeling our house, so sticking to our budget is very important. A Disney vacation with the kids was not in the budget. Even a weekend trip to the beach was not in the budget. But momma needed a vacation to end the summer! I just wanted some time devoted to having fun with my family. So Baton Rouge here we come! My hubby took a few days off work so he could join us.
Day 1:
Our first day began at the movies. I took the kids to the $1 movie to see Mr. Peabody and Sherman. Cute, cute movie for all ages. We had a picnic by the fountain and visited Barnes and Noble to turn in our summer reading lists. We also made a stop by the mall play land – without Mommy rushing the kids to “hurry up and play” so I can finish my shopping trip. I sat back and enjoyed watching my kids act like kids. Total for the day $8.50 for movie tickets and drinks.
Day 2:
Next day was Area 51 Extreme Air Sports. This place is a warehouse of wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits and obstacle courses. The kids loved it. I loved watching them push themselves to reach a goal. The dodge-ball area, foam pits and tight rope walk were all favorites of the day. There is also another new trampoline park to enjoy in Baton Rouge called Sky Zone. These kids are so lucky – we didn’t have cool places like this when I was a kid. We enjoyed another picnic for lunch and headed to swim lessons. Total for the day $34.50 and totally worth it!
Day 3:
We enjoyed our library’s story time and spent some time at home making crafts. Thanks to mom being in “vacation mode” and not bothering to go grocery shopping, we had a fast-food lunch. Can I get an “amen” for no dishes in the sink?! Total for the day $19.
Day 4:
Daddy joined us for Putt-putt day. I tell ya, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen a 3-year old make up her own rules regarding her special yellow ball! Her reasons made sense, and they landed her in first place. We spent a few minutes in the arcade before heading to Chick-Fil-A. Total for the day $53.
Day 4:
I finally got around to grocery shopping, and we took a picnic to the beach. My in-laws live on a private lake with a man-made beach at Lake Rosemound. Enjoying a relaxing day in the sun with my family was just what this mommy needed. The hubby and I spent the evening playing board games with my in-laws while the kiddos lounged in front of their favorite Disney movie. The perfect ending to a perfect day with the short 20-minute drive to my own bed.
Although, there wasn’t housekeeping to make up our beds and no room service, I think our staycation was even better than a vacation. I got to sleep in my own comfy bed, and the car ride never lasted more than 40 minutes (yay!). Being in a “vacation” state of mind was just what our family needed. The kids enjoyed playing, and I enjoyed their smiles. I sat back to take in the sounds of giggling. I let them play with their food at lunch time. I fell asleep each night with a smile on my face knowing we were giving our kids something really special: time with their parents.
