~by Heidi

A couple of years ago, my husband and I took our children to spend a week in a castle–in California!

It had real turrets . . .

and medieval style carvings . . .

An actual dungeon . . .

weathered stone steps, slippery with moss that led down to  . . .

the moat!

We had picnics on the beach along the river . . .

played in the water that made such beautiful music, night and day . . .

played games  . . .

and enjoyed being out in nature as much as possible.

The castle was a wonderful place to stay because it was so close to the beach.

We also went for a ride on a real train . . .

spent some time at our favorite amusement park. . .

(they don’t look very amused–I think they might be nervous)

and had the chance to spend time with some favorite cousins.

Summertime is family time because we can be outdoors away from the television and other indoor distractions.

What does your family do for family time?

The post Summertime is Family Time appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.

Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.

Family vacations can fall under “wholesome recreational activities.” Does your family go on vacations (holidays)? If so, what are some of your family vacation traditions? Does your family visit the same place on a regular basis, or do you vary your location?

If you don’t go somewhere away from home (sometimes called a “staycation”), what kinds of “recreational activities” does your family enjoy together?

How do vacations and recreational activities bring your family closer together?

You can read responses from Mormon women below in the comments section.

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*If you would like, please send us photos and stories of your family vacations. This can include great memories and funny or spiritual experiences. Please email them to us at ‘mormonwoman’ AT ‘gmail’ DOT ‘com’.

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For articles at lds.org about family traditions and family fun, see the following:

Having Fun as a Family

More Smiles Per Gallon: Ten Ways to Make Family Vacations More Fun

See “Finances and Family Fun” in this Random Sampler for one family’s creative idea for an alternative plan for a family vacation when they were on a limited budget

The Power of Laughter

The post Family vacation (or “staycation”) traditions appeared first on Women in The Church of Jesus Christ.