Summer is a time for trips and family. I just spent a delightful week with two of my sisters, my Mom, aunts, and cousins, touring Charleston, Savannah, and Atlanta. These cities are steeped in history, delightfully charming, and have great food! The best part of the trip, though, was spending time with my Mom and sisters. Another great aspect was this trip was paid for before I took it. I had saved, had a budget, and could enjoy the trip without worrying about the money. This was a trip Mom wanted to take, as she had not visited these cities before. I am so thankful she is still ambulatory, and we could enjoy seeing these sights with her. It was very educational taking in the rich history and touring the beautiful plantation homes. Of course we had to experience ice cream in each location (Mom doesn’t pass up too many ice cream spots)! All this to say, it’s sooooo important to spend time with your folks. It’s even better when you can enjoy their company and experience something new together. It was good for us to slow down a little so we could keep pace with Mom and help her down the steps, or over the cracks in the sidewalk. When we slow down, we take time to be present in the moment, savor the experience, and really enjoy the here and now. How are you going to spend some leisure time this summer with those you love? Do you have your trip in your budget? Share your thoughts.