We believe both the children and the parents enjoy the quality time spent over extended vacation periods. Travel and "settling in" becomes less of an issue for our family then. We can plan extended trips without the worry of rushing frantically back and packing half the children up to ship back home to the custodial parent.

As the vacation period progresses we find the children become more relaxed. They seem happier just to "be" in our company as opposed to rushing through a two or three day visitation schedule that would give a trapeze artist the spins! We are thankful for the children's' interest in nature and camping, although they do have a sometimes fanatical video side! The kids seem to appreciate the hikes, fishing trips, beachcombing etc. All these activities are appropriate inexpensive and educational as well as FUN for blended families!

Given the ages of the children (9,8,7, and 23 months) it is difficult at times to schedule activities which include all of the children. This is further complicated when one of us must stay at home with the youngest thereby "splitting" the family. Suffice to say we try to spend much of our time together. This scenario is further facilitated by our efforts to make the home environment as happy / fun / comfortable / children friendly as possible.

Since some of the children's interests vary, it stands to reason, we will not be able to so everything together. With some careful planning, those who choose to opt our of some activities can in turn spend time with the "other" parent. We believe this type of quality time as stepparents or biological parents is equally as important. Some children do not open up, relate well or just plain relax in "high energy", group, or scheduled environments.

For this reason we do not insist the children do everything together. While being together as a family, a quiet reflective setting can be a nurturing environment as well.

Regardless of the activities planned, we do our best to make every minute count. A deep sea fishing outing can easily turn into "island hopping", beachcombing, and a barbecuing extravaganza! This is vacation right? A little spontaneity never hurt anyone!

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Susan tries to keep her family at peace by mothering all of her children consistently and wearing ear plugs a lot of the time :) Visit Susan's website The Second Wives Club