As the kids get older, it hits home more and more that our time with them is getting shorter. After taking off for Maine last summer with only two weeks' notice, we noticed that the kids really and truly appreciated the extra family time. They loved the adventure, the trip, and the time with us and our extended family.
Tom and I have since made an extra effort to find ways to have more experiences with them, rather than accumulate more things with them. We have only a limited amount of time left to make these memories with them. Only a limited amount of time left with them to have experiences that make them say, "Remember when we all...?!" Making memories together cements our family bonds and we need to make this time count.
And a huge bonus is that trips and events no longer include diaper bags, strollers, and tantrums. Our youngest is about to turn 12. They are fairly self-sufficient and just downright fun to be around. If there's any whining or crying involved, it's much more likely to come from the parents. ;)
One of the experiences that I want to share with them this year is going to more concerts. Tom's job doesn't allow him to travel much so I wanted to choose some adventures that I could take the kids to by myself, in addition to family events.
And I love concerts! I used to go to concerts all the time. I even dragged Tom to a concert when I was seven months pregnant with Andrew. The kids love music, I love music, and we live two hours away from Chicago. So, that was an easy decision.
Right now, we have tickets to these concerts in the next six months.
Maroon 5 - I am sooooo excited for this one!!!
5 Seconds of Summer - Beth is definitely the most excited for this one but Emily will have fun, too. My goal is to find a way to enjoy their music at least a little bit before this summer. LOL.
Taylor Swift - We're all excited for this one! I expect it to be a dance party from start to finish.
One Direction - We refer to 1D as "the boys." We're fans and not ashamed to admit it! There is no room for music snobbery in our house. Sometimes you just need cute boys and catchy lyrics to have a good time.
And.....Beth and I have VIP tickets on the floor to this one!!! We'll be in row 19. :) And even better, Emily and a very special guest will be there, too, just not on the floor.
Imagine Dragons - They haven't announced their tour dates yet but we're hoping to get tickets to a concert if they tour within driving distance of us. Andrew LOVES them and is really, really hoping to see them this year.
So that's part of our goal this year - to make time for experiences, cut back on things, and to make this time count.
