When the youngest of three sons hit eighth grade, we tried a grand experiment…traveling together, just the two of us.   We went to Washington D.C., for a week over Spring Break and, amazingly enough, it went really well.   One of the great things I learned was that when we left Dad at home, our whole dynamic changed.   We’ve had the fun of family vacations and, as the only female in a house full of guys [even the dogs!], I was always The Girl when we were all together.   But when it was down to just the two of us, rather than Mom-Dad-Kid on vacation, we were on a more even footing as traveling companions.   We had such a good time, when we got home, we swore we’d do it again.

Another opportunity for a Mom-Son trip didn’t present itself until I was planning to go to a conference in Utah last year and considered driving rather than flying.  By then my son was a senior in high school and a long weekend in Park City sounded pretty good to him.   He was taking a photography class and used the opportunity to photograph some of the amazing scenery around the beautiful Utah resort where we stayed.  That was our first solo car trip and I found Number Three to be delightful company.    I’ve always liked to think that I raised interesting, funny kids, but eight hours of confined interaction really puts your theories to the test.   Fortunately for me, he passed with flying colors!  [Or does that mean that I passed???] 

It’s conference time again and Number Three has volunteered to go along as traveling companion/bodyguard.   Not that I NEED a bodyguard, but I think it gives him a rush thinking of himself along those lines.   J  Of course, I jumped at his offer and, honestly?   I find I’m really looking forward to spending time with him and storing up some new memories. 

Because, in the end, that’s what our trips have really been.   Special memories. 

What about you?   Do you have favorite moments you’ve spent with your kids — whether it was school field trips or a special shopping day, or even a day spent home with just the two of you? 

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Melissa Mayhue writes the Faerie-filled, paranormal/time travel Daughters of the Glen series for Pocket Books.  Her next release,  A HIGHLANDER’S DESTINY is due out December 29, followed by A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING on January 26, 2010. You can visit her on the web at www.MelissaMayhue.com