Making the Most of Our Time
As a family of seven who likes to go and do, it’s important to us to find activities that are fun for everyone and that don’t break the bank. We are always on the lookout for things to do that are budget-friendly, or even better, things to do that do not cost anything at all. This past weekend, we hit the jackpot with plenty to do for a grand total of zero dollars!
For starters, we didn’t really plan anything. This is different for us in terms of how we used to spend long holiday weekends. We felt like the extra day off was so precious and we needed to be sure we didn’t waste it. In order to maximize the time off, we would be sure to make plans for the weekend whether it was having people over or traveling over the break. But this year was different. We did neither of those things. Instead, we woke up each morning, and then decided what we would do that day.
Saturday was a beautiful day and we decided we would check out a small arts and crafts fair in the neighboring downtown Dillsboro. It was a wonderful little fair as local artisans were not only selling their wares, but they were also demonstrating how they make their crafts. It was wonderful to visit with the different craftsmen and to learn about what they do and how they started doing it. While we didn’t make any purchases, we picked up plenty of business cards and know where to look and who to call when we are ready.
On Sunday, we went to Mass and then decided we would head to a nearby lake. The kids were ecstatic! We went home, packed a picnic lunch, grabbed our beach towels, and headed out. We had so much fun, and once again, spent absolutely no money the entire day.
On Monday, we wanted to do something fun for the kids but didn’t want to go anywhere. We reached out to some friends who live right up the street from us and invited them over to slip and slide. I should mention, our slip and slide is a 100 foot long stretch of industrial strength plastic lathered in baby shampoo and kept going by two sprinklers. Turns out, the same backyard hill we use for sledding when it snows makes for the perfect slip and slide course! The kids played and played while we had a chance to sit out in the shade and visit with friends.
Lastly, that evening, we gathered some groceries and went to our friends’ house next door for a good old joint cookout. Kids were jumping on the trampoline while parents were visiting over the grill and on the back porch overlooking the mountains.
We went to bed last Monday night, our hearts full from all that we had been able to do. It was then that I told Brandon what a great weekend we had, and I pointed out that we were able to do all of that for absolutely no money.
That realization became almost a challenge to ourselves to see what else we can do that does not cost us anything.
So tonight, the challenge continues.
With absolutely no plans for our Friday night, we decided that we would go to Concerts on the Creek—a free outdoor concert series offered in our beautiful downtown—starting just an hour later. We grabbed some of our kids, a couple of lawn chairs, and we headed out. We spent the evening listening to cover songs of Fleetwood Mac and Johnny Cash with the mountains as our backdrop.
I would say the rest of the weekend is game on. Our oldest son is visiting this weekend from Austin and we always make it a point while he is here to maximize our time together. We will make it a point to do that—and to see how little money we will spend in the process.
We know well enough that the absolute best things in life are free. We are excited to soak in all of the best things that we can!
