Yesterday I bought this giant tub of cheese puffs.
Not because I like cheese puffs, because I really don't.
What I wanted was the container, and this was cheaper than buying an empty jar this size anywhere I could find...
I dumped out the cheese puffs into plastic bags, peeled off the label and washed the container and lid. A little paint, construction paper and electrical tape later and we have our new family vacation fund!
Brian and I have wanted to take the kids to Disneyland for the past two years, but there always seems to be some place else to spend the money. Car repairs, new clothes, wheelchairs...
We sat down with the kids and talked about the idea of slowly saving the money as a family. We talked about the principal of delayed gratification, giving up something we want right now so we can have something we want more in the future. Brian set a great example by putting in the money that he was going to spend on a new hat and telling the kids how he would rather be able to go on a fun family trip with them than have another hat. Everyone ran to get their piggy banks and we talked about how every little bit will add up.
Lila thinks that putting coins in the jar is all a fun game. But Jake and Evie really get it. In fact, after Brian put in his hat money Evie said, "I know! On popcorn Fridays, instead of asking for a quarter to buy popcorn I can put it in our Disneyland jar!" That made me so happy to know that she really understood the lesson her dad was teaching her and found her own way to apply it in her life.
I know that when we finally have enough and get to take this trip my kids will appreciate every second of it knowing that they helped to make it possible.
Plus it's Disneyland!
We love Disneyland!
P.S. I am realizing that for all the times I have been to Disneyland, I've never actually planned a trip there myself. Any tips, tricks or info you can share about making it the best trip we can would be greatly appreciated.
4 comments:
I think that is sooo awesome you guys! Patrick and I might have to mimic your idea...
Yeah for saving, family goals, and Disneyland! I wish I had tips to share, but we are going to Disneyland for the first time in April.
That is such a fun idea!! I love that your kids are involved in saving money for the trip. I've never really carefully planned out a trip there, just made sure a hotel was booked and took off, so I have no advice.
Talk to Noelle Pease. She is the Disneyland planning queen.
Post a Comment