With the summer coming to a quick close, Hubby and I decided to spend this past weekend as a family taking day trips. Luckily all the rain we received in June allowed the money tree in our back yard to sprout abundantly!........NOT!
All I have to say is Holy Crap! I felt like VanWinkle just awakening from a long nap only to find that everything had doubled in price. Saturday was spent at Hershey Park. We began by paying for parking. When we finally made it to the front gate, I probably would have let out another "Holy Crap," but I was able to buy my tickets through our township and receive a discount.
But the real shocker was lunch time. There were 2 adults and 2 children. The total came to $50. That's right, I said $50. Here's the real surprise: We ordered popcorn chicken, french fries and drinks.
Now I will admit, a crucial mistake on my part may have sent the price into unknown territory. See, I was placing the order when Hubby came up and asked for a mug of root beer. At least that is what I heard. I didn't know why he wanted one of those stupid souvenir cups that are impossible to fit in any kitchen cabinet, but rather than questioning him, I placed the order.
So I return to the table only to find Hubby giving me a funny look. "Why did you order me one of those?" he asked.
"You asked me to," I said. "You wanted a mug of root beer."
"No I didn't," he says. "I wanted Mug Root beer."
"Who calls it Mug Root beer?" I ask.
"That's the name on the label," he said.
"But no one ever asks for a bottle of Stewart's Root beer, do they?" I question.
We both laugh. A simple mistake has once again led to poverty. Back home that night, we send the children to the backyard to pick from the money tree again....NOT!
The next day we head to Morey's Pier in Wildwood. Once again we were lucky enough to get discount tickets... thanks Connie! Unfortunately, getting through the gates proved to be one of the cheaper parts of our day. After lunch (only $40. that day), there were still games, dinner, ice cream and parking.
If I sound like I'm complaining, I'm really not. We had a wonderful time, and sometimes, no matter how much money it may cost; a weekend with your family is worth it all.
6 comments:
Sometimes, I think scientists waste their time and effort on space exploration. Come on! Discover the money tree already!!!
On a side note: I feel your pain. Really. I do. Our little one barely costs anything (at this age, anyway), so I keep wondering how it is that we're spending like we're a family of four? ;-)
Food sticker shock. It is outrageous. With a family of 6, we always pack our own to save the money!
Visiting from SITs
Apparently, the admission cost cover their overhead. They make money on parking and concessions. And I think they make quite a bit!!
It is worth it for all the fun and memories, but the sticker shock is... WOW!
Now that our kids are older we take these sort of trips much less frequently. Why? Because for two of my three kids I have to pay "adult" admission and the younger one isn't free anymore.
Now, when we do go, I wait for discount tickets and pack all of our food. We have to. I think our children wish we were a "normal" family and just bought the burgers and fries (which always smell so enticing at these kind of places). The return on my investment though is just not enough for me to justify it.
There have been a few times I've been in your situation and have the sticker shock. While,yes, the family has a good time, I always feel like the obscene fees put a dent in the fun.
I haven't even heard Mug Root Beer since I was a kid. We were obsessed with it. Great memory jog for me..thanks!
family time is the best. You are creating memories your children will cherish all their lives. I am 64 and still have loving memories of family picnics my dad took us on every Sunday afternoon in the summer.
Just stopping by to say hi from SITS; hope you'll do the same.
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