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I’m on vacation; hence, fewer blog posts. Since I’m in the vacation mode, I’ve been thinking of some of the things that have made our family vacations so memorable.

The first thing that comes to mind is The Vacation Cry. Not sure where or how this started but it’s become a nonnegotiable part of the Andersen vacation routine. Every vacation gets named and has a Vacation Cry. It’s often about our destination or some other significant aspect we’re looking forward to. For example, years ago our 2 week camping trip out west through South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado got dubbed, “Western Ho!”

The resultant Vacation Cry becomes our rallying point before and during vacation. Everyone has the right at any time to shout, “Vacation cry!” - at which everyone responds with a rousing Vacation Cry. It’s mandatory that everyone responds enthusiastically.

It builds excitement, anticipation, and family togetherness. It also serves as an attitude adjuster during long stretches of a road trip in the van or when the weather isn’t cooperating.

Our current vacation is a special one. All our kids, daughters-in-law, and grandkids are together with us at Branson, MO. Our Vacation Cry? “Silver Dollar City!” - shouted with SDC native voice inflection. Actually, we’ve used this Vacation Cry several times over the years but chose it again so our 3 year old granddaughter could be easily initiated into this family tradition. She’s got it down already.

Time for me to go wake the family because we’re off to the opening ceremony this morning at SDC. As they sing at SDC, “…it’s going to be a wonderful…oh, what a wonderful…it’s going to be a wonderful day!”

“Vacation cry! Silver Dollar City!”