All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.
JRR Tolkien
I am a sucker for flowers on the ground: whether they form a carpet of colour on the pavement or sit smug & all alone, I can’t help smiling, and often, stopping to snap a shot.
This is a frangipani I double-backed for as I was running out of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. I must have made a peculiar sight, squatting on the ground for a spell. The pavement was quite hot by then, so I didn’t sprawl on the ground as I’d preferred.
In contrast to enjoying these little quiet moments, Excited Younger Daughter, her Intrepid Traveller Grandparents and I are on our way to Tokyo, Japan. This is far from a quiet moment as she has been looking forward to her Graduation Trip with Grandparents.
My Energetic & Generous Parents take each Grandchild on a High School Graduation Trip of their choice. Most of them live in the United States, so they fly out to Singapore to meet up with my parents and they head to their chosen destination from here. With 7 grandkids, they have made quite a commitment to spend special time with each GrandChild (& their accompanying parent). I take my hat off to them.
It is now Disney-mad Younger Daughter’s turn. Although she hasn’t technically graduated from High School as she is on her “Create My Own Path” homeschool programme, we all decided this is a great time as any to celebrate. So, we are off to Tokyo Disney Resort for 5 nights. Then to Chiba for another 5: to see a castle, a shrine & a museum. And eat lots of sushi, onigiri, ramen & mocha. We will certainly make full use of our time!
Leaving you with one of our favourite Disney songs at the moment – hope you enjoy it.
This post is in response to a Quotation-Inspired Image hosted by Debbie at TravelWithIntent.
How nice of grandparents to do that trip gifting ! Great idea….
and the flier shot was worth doubling back for 🌺🌺🌺🌺
LikeLike
It is very generous of them – the way they figure it, spend focused time with each grandchild (especially since 5 of 7 of them live on a different continent) while the both of them are still healthy & able to travel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a beautiful tradition you have in your family. A great experience for the young ones too. We have the awful ‘schoolies week’ tradition on the Gold Coast at Surfers Paradise. Drunken parties etc Have you heard of it, Ju-Lyn? Thankfully none of my three kids ever attended.
LikeLike
I think we had something similar when I went to Uni in Texas – spring break week was spent in warmer places with too much to drink.
LikeLike
That first age when we experiment with alcohol. Lots of fun but also fraught with potential for danger.
LikeLike
I know right? Which is why my parents (and we as parents) decided to make alcohol part of the children’s education. We were allowed to try various drinks when we were quite young, so the mystery & the idea of a forbidden fruit was dispelled.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wise Danish friend once said to me that one should be educated in terms of alcohol use whilst in the protective arena of our home by responsible parents. That is what I did with my kids. They knew what to expect and the risks involved.
LikeLike
A wonderful tradition and what an amazing break! Love the song … a new one to me and I’m tempted to watch some of those latest Disney films!
LikeLike
It has been an amazing break – we are enjoying our last few days in Japan.
I am subject to Disney songs most days but I some of the new music is pretty good (and of course, old favourites are still good)
LikeLiked by 1 person
What wonderful grandparents your daughters have. Enjoy your trip; I’m sure your daughter will have a blast!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are pretty special, these parents of mine.
We are having a blast; last couple of days now, so enjoying the tail end of our trip.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yay! So glad you are having a great time.
LikeLike
That is sooooo sweet!! what a generous thing to do for family! I see above you went to Uni in Texas?? where? I might have known that about you but have forgotten. are you speaking of south padre island for spring break?? haha. have fun at Disney – love that place 🙂
LikeLike
It is very generous of my folks to do this! And in this case, I get the benefit of going along for the ride! We love Disney too!
Went to Baylor – and yes, South Padre Island was a rather popular choice (although I haven’t been there myself). I wasn’t particularly sociable and was fortunate to have my godparents in Ft Worth, so spent many of my breaks there.
Did you school in Texas too?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I hope you all had a great time at Disney. The food you posted actually looked pretty good!!
That is interesting you went to Baylor!! Great school – long way from home for you – was that hard? I guess with grandparents near by that helped a bunch.
Yes! I went to Texas A&M in College Station. Just a hop, skip and a jump from you. I left TX about 18 years ago and never looked back 🙂
LikeLike
Wow 5 nights in Disney, JuLyn? That would be super! Such lucky grandkids and cool parents you’ve got there. 🙂
LikeLike
Such an awesome thing the grandparents are doing for each of their grandchildren! And what a beautiful frangipani – I would have gone to the ground for it as well. 😊
LikeLike
Hee hee! I am so glad to know that I have friends all over the world doing the strange things I do!
It is rather lovely of my folks – I think their grandchildren are extremely fortunate!
LikeLike