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How to Survive Life in the Suburbs

How Can We Ever Repay Them?

in Everyday, Family, Lifestyle, Travel on 12/01/11

This past week my Dad celebrated his 70th Birthday.  For weeks my sister and I struggled back and forth with the weakest of gift ideas.   How would we ever find a present suitable for such an occasion?  How do you ever start to re-pay your Dad for working too hard, commuting too long and ultimately giving us a childhood that although not story book perfect, (don’t think anyone has one of those) was pretty damn close.  A 70th Birthday deserves something special right?

When I think back on my childhood my favourite memories revolve around the family cottage.  Waiting for my Dad to get home on Friday nights.  Pacing in the kitchen, my Mom with the cooler packed and the suitcases in the car.  Occasionally getting yelled at on the long drive “up north” with a “Don’t make me pull this car over!” But most of all, my memories are of the too short weekends and the picture perfect summers at the lake. 

My parents set the standard pretty high for childhood memories.  How will I ever give my girls this kind of gift?  Memories they will treasure forever.  How will I ever repay my parents for taking us out of the city, teaching us to ski, fish like a dude, drive a boat with confidence, and become a best friend with my sister.  

I hope this is a start….

 

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Our Gift

(double click)

My sister and I, we’re taking them back. All of us together where those best memories began; and we’re adding Husbands and Grandkids to the mix.  Time to start making some new memories. 

It’s going to be……blog worthy.

Think it’s too early to start a countdown to next summer?

Love you Dad.

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    Comments

    1. Buckeroomama says

      December 2, 2011 at 3:28 am

      Oh, that is so sweet! What a lovely idea. 🙂

    2. Anti-Supermom says

      December 1, 2011 at 11:01 pm

      Cool idea, love it!

    3. Gigi says

      December 1, 2011 at 10:52 pm

      Happy, happy birthday to your dad! He’s going to love that gift!

    4. ChiTown Girl says

      December 1, 2011 at 10:37 pm

      So awesome!!! You are wonderful daughter!

    5. Carol@TheDesignPages says

      December 1, 2011 at 10:16 pm

      What an amazing gift for your dad. BTW, can you ask your dad if I can be an adopted daughter? I would love to spend a week in that gorgeous cottage!!!

    6. Sarah Kate says

      December 1, 2011 at 10:08 pm

      This is one of the sweetest gifts. My family has the same kind of relationship. I have no idea how I’d repay them for everything they’ve done for me. But it looks like you found the perfect way! I hope ya’ll will enjoy it!!

      Thanks so much for stopping by my blog!!! I absolutely love the title of yours! I attempted life in the suburbs and only lasted a year. ;o) I wasn’t cut out for that kind of lifestyle!

    7. Rebecca S. says

      December 1, 2011 at 9:29 pm

      A great plan…and a real homage to your growing up with such a great dad. Wishing him the best!

    8. Emmy says

      December 1, 2011 at 8:19 pm

      Amazing awesome gift!! I hope you all have a wonderful time there

    9. Sara @ Domestically Challenged says

      December 1, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      I believe they will love it! I love the song too. Hearing it always makes me smile!

    10. Brian Miller says

      December 1, 2011 at 4:41 pm

      nice…that sounds like an awesome idea…and experiences and memories are def the best gift…

    11. Kristina P. says

      December 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm

      What a treasure!!

    12. blueviolet says

      December 1, 2011 at 3:16 pm

      You guys are the best kids ever. They’re going to have the best time (if they can ever stop crying from being so touched).

    13. Shana says

      December 1, 2011 at 2:37 pm

      That is great!
      I think that your dad (and mom) are rather lucky to have daughters like you and you sister!!!!
      (I love the song in the video!)

    14. Secret Mom Thoughts says

      December 1, 2011 at 1:29 pm

      What a great gift! Happy birthday to your dad.

    15. diane says

      December 1, 2011 at 1:02 pm

      Best idea ever!! What a great gift!

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    Travel addict, sun seeker, coffee drinker, fashion lover, picture taker. This is a peek behind the closed and competitive doors of the suburbs. A place to come to learn about the best places to travel with your kids in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean and beyond! stephanie@sassymodernmom.com
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