saving on vaccation

We are back from our mini vaccation to the water park. The kids had a blast and Dan and I really enjoyed getting away to help break up Wisconsin winter boredom. Spring is ALWAYS a welcomed season around here!!

We ended up budgeting about $125 for gas and anything "extra". This was in addition to all the food we brought, and that came out of our weekly living expenses. The kids really wanted to order pizza while we were there, so that was the one thing we really spent any money on. One of the boys ended up getting a fever while we were there, so we also spent money on a thermometer and a few redbox movies. I had bought the kids the game mousetrap for a Valentine's gift right after Christmas and got a great deal on it. I think it was $7. I also got them each a $1 mailbox at target's $ spot and we helped the kids filled them with Valentines from each other. (It's amazing how excited they each got over a packet of hot chocolate and a quarter when it comes on a Valentine.)

While we were there, we got a call from the timeshare people wanting us to sit in on an hour presentation in exchange for a $75 visa gift card. At first was said NO (we know all too well what those presentations are like) but after talking about it we decided we really wanted the free $75, so we stopped in on our last day. As soon as they realized we were only interested in learing how to sell or rent it, the presentation went quick, although, they did try to get us to spend another $6300. We said no thanks and took our gift card. Whoo Hoo!!!

When we got home, I had $25 still in my wallet, an almost full tank of gas and a $75 visa gift card!!!

The kids had a lot of fun, but we could have easily spent hundreds more if we wanted to. Everytime we went to the waterpark, we had to walk past 2 gift shops, a cantine and right though an arcade. I could tell the kids would have loved to play some games, but we just told them we didn't bring money for it. That's not anything new for them to hear, so it didn't really phase them. They are not spoiled or greedy and rarely expect things from us. They were perfectly happy playing mousetrap. It think it just goes to show that spoiled, greedy kids are raised - not born. It makes me glad my kids don't get everything.

Our oldest boy was really eyeing up some candy at one of the gift shops. We told him he could buy it if he used is own money. He has been diligently saving for an electric train. The candy was $3. He thought about what he wanted to do for a while. I was very proud of him when he decided it just wasn't worth his $3. He knows it will take longer to get his train if he spends any of his money. It feels so good to know what we are teaching them will benefit them through the rest of their lives.


Here is how was saved money on our vaccation.

We had a plan and a budget and we stuck to it.

We planned for and brought all our own food. Other than pizza (that was budgeted for), we did not buy any food or drinks.

We passed by the cantine and gift shops.

We said no to the arcades.

We spent quality time together as a family without all the "stuff".
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