Well, we are back from our "camping" trip to the cabin, and everybody survived.
Sure, there were some tense moments, but all in all it was a good trip. We swam, we made s'mores on the campfire, we went fishing and visited a wildlife reserve.
If you parents are like me, the days before vacation are spent preparing every detail of the packing. I had to check and re-check to make sure I packed everybody enough underwear and socks. I made sure the kids had things to entertain them in case of rain. We took books, coloring books, crayons, cards and glow sticks.
I (thought) I had everything covered until the second day we were there. We were sitting at the pool and I reached into my bag to pull out my book. You can imagine my surprise when it wasn't there. I searched my suitcase back at the cabin, but it wasn't in there either.
Here I am, a librarian on vacation without a book!
So, I began my search for reading material. I checked the two country stores close to the cabin - no books, only hunting and fishing magazines (and I wasn't that desperate yet).
I read the cereal box, the information of the arm floatie package and three Junie B. Jones books. But they weren't making the cut.
The nearest public library was miles away, so I made my way down the mountain to the closest Wal-Mart in search of a magazine or book to read.
As much as it pains me to actually pay for books when I can borrow them at the library, I did it.
I bought a book, a paperback book, for $14.82! If only I had remembered to double check my own bag, I would have had my library book and saved that money.
The moral of the story: As parents, we take care of our kid's every need and plan for the "what if."
We want them to have a fabulous vacation that they will remember and cherish for years to come.
Let's not forget to pack the all-important underwear, but remember to visit the library for your books too!
Jennifer Knisely is the children services director at the Altoona Area Public?Library. Send questions to mirrormoms@altoonamirror.com. Put "Library?Link" in the subject line.
