humor Making priceless memories with older grandkids BY MARY KAY MORRISON W e take a lot of field trips with our 12 grandkids. These are usually to local venues. However, the most memorable event we plan is the treasured 8th-grade graduation trip. This expedition has become an eagerly anticipated experience for each of our grandchildren. Planning can begin with conversations as early as elementary school. The kids can choose where they want to go in the continental United States. Brainstorming starts with a conversation about what they want to see and do on their trip. We encourage them to use their computer skills to search various geographical locations. Some guidance may be helpful; however, it is their trip, and we encourage them to do as much planning as possible. We work closely with parents to coordinate the dates and locations. We have found these trips to be the best way to build lasting relationships. The trips are usually from 5-7 days, with funds saved by us over the many years to pay for flights and hotels-cost-saving hint: We have stayed at 4-H centers, Airbnb's, and YMCA camps. Granddaughter, Christine, set her sights on the Rocky Mountains, and we enjoyed her plans of white-water rafting and horseback riding. 5 GRAND WINTER 2023 Continued on next pagehttps://www.facebook.com/GRANDmagazine