We have a lot of instability in our lives. We tend to move about once a year, and things change for us a lot. Because of that, I try to make some simple traditions that add some stability for the children. These include meals that we love, movie and pizza night, special time with the kids, holiday traditions, chores, reading together, etc.
One tradition that has sort of developed over the years is, having a 'cook out' when Bill has to travel. He traveled last month for 10 days with John and Hannah for a seminar in Arusha, and to go to Nairobi. It's always a bit quiet around the house when Bill travels, so I try to do something different and fun to make the days go quicker.
We sometimes will all sleep in the living room and watch movies until late at night. Or, play board games all day. But, we like to have a cook out. This time, I decided to up the ante and to actually "camp out" on our upstairs balcony. We put up two tents and cooked hot dogs and marshmallows over a tiny charcoal grill. We stayed up late singing camp songs. We lasted pretty long, but ended up coming inside to actually sleep. :)
The point is, the children miss Daddy while he's gone, but know that something fun is going to happen too. Jonathan saw a bag of marshmallows in the cupboard and said, "Are those for the next camp out when Daddy has to go on a trip?" Yes. Yes, they are. :)
