Forced family fun.

Michelle McLean

In a house with three teenagers, it seems we don’t take the time for all-day family outings like we used to. The kids have all got summer jobs and boyfriends or girlfriends to keep them busy. Outings with old Mom and Dad fall farther down the list of “things to do” than a decade ago when the terrific trio was 8, 7 and 5.
As Mom, I dictated that a fun family outing was mandatory before the summer slipped away — and our oldest departed for college. I reserved last Saturday on everyone’s calendar and scheduled an estimated departure time for 9 a.m. — in the van and pulling out of the driveway. 
Whether coerced or cajoled, the kids all played along with my master plan. I packed snacks and drinks just like I did when they were little kids. I instructed them to bring something along to keep themselves busy on the drive — just like I did when they required constant entertainment.
As we pulled on to the interstate, the youngest asked, “How long is this going take?” His apparent enthusiasm was underwhelming. For the first 40 miles, they squabbled about who had more leg room and whose music we should all listen to. After a pit stop in Fargo, things quieted down. Soon the van was eerily quiet. They were all asleep — just like they used to be in their carseats. It was blissful.
We made the obligatory stop at the tourist center when we crossed the state line. I gathered up a handful of brochures and headed back to the van. I had penciled in the itinerary for the day and the new information allowed me to fine tune the plan. Mom’s always got a plan.
The theme of this trip was “the amazing creative powers of man and the Almighty.”
My youngest’s primary concern was, “When do we eat?”
“I’ve got snacks,” I offered.
Instantly and simultaneously, they dove for the back of the van where all the supplies were stashed. In a flurry of foil wrappers and plastic containers, they feasted and were temporarily satisfied.
They were still agreeable as we pulled up to the first official stop on the family fun tour, the Terry Redlin Center in Watertown. We mingled with the leather-clad bikers on their way back from Sturgis and the little kids playing Picture Bingo among the paintings by the renowned wildlife artist. First stop — a good time was had by all.
One of my favorite ways to eat on the road is a picnic. Our next stop was a grocery store deli where we picked up fried chicken, a couple veggie salads, some fresh fruit and cookies. We found a neighorhood park with a picnic shelter and enjoyed our feast. Again, the kids played along with Mom’s typically unconventional game plan.
Well-fed and cooperative, the kids were ready for the next stop — our sole stated purpose for traveling 180 miles south — an exhibit of preserved human bodies — real bodies. Intensely interesting and a tiny bit weird, the displays captivated and repulsed us. It was utterly amazing to imagine our insides made visible for all to see — in color-coded detail.
The five of us huddled around and stared, studying the bodies, all muscle and bone exposed.
I can’t say why I felt compelled to make this a family destination. It worked, though. The kids were mesmerized. An hour later they were ready to head home. I was happy; they were happy.
“How long before we get home?” the youngest asked.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. Mom’s got a plan.