wanderlust.

I never really wanted to put down roots.

I have an unhealthy obsession with National Geographic Magazine.


My Grampa worked for a merchant marine company, and traveled around the globe and came back with exotic tchotchkes aplenty, and stories of lands I could only imagine.

I don't get squicked out on the It's A Small World ride. Not in the least. I love it almost as much as I love the Enchanted Tiki Room.

I'm not anti-Disney. Really. BUT...

The quote I stumble over here and again is "Travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer."

Case in point? My recent travels in Europe. Barcelona and Lisbon were gorgeous experiences. I feel so fortunate to have had that opportunity.

We will be moving into a big ol' house  by early next year. I need to redux our personal budget to consider all that this home will require of me.

But a certain Crumbsnatcher's birthday coincides with a holiday weekend, so getting the heck out of dodge sounds like the plan to end all plans.

Plus, anything I can do to avoid a ginormous birthday shindig, I will strongly consider. (Even though the idea of a Doctor Who or Gravity Falls themed fête is super tempting...)

My first thought? Westward! Disneyland + Cali Adventure Parks can be seen in 3 days, max, and we can see some of our SoCal family. But upon researching package prices through Walt's Intarweb Machine, I was kind of amazed at the price tag (before considering airfare, even!)

So then, I got creative. The kiddo asks me about going to different places with great frequency: Japan, Paris, Hawaii, Alabama.

Seriously.

So, I'm now on the quest for the best surprise trip for a precocious just-turned-six-year-old for a long-ish weekend in early 2014.

It can't break the bank, or hinder the budget. A party could cost a few hundred bucks. But, like that quote says - i can throw her a party, buy her some token giftie, and i'm still having to clean up after the festivities, and surely whatever trinket she gets will be a blur in the face of all the other party excitement.

Why not pick a place i know she'd enioy, and have an adventure?

I think her Dad would approve. I just have to figure out where (and, of course, the cuisine waiting for us there is a tremendous factor!)

If you've got a brilliant suggestion... well, with apologies to the Mouse:  I'm all ears. Comment away, and should we end up following your recommendation, expect some kind of Crumbsnatcher surprise when we get back.

Not a contest, but, true gratitude. Let's see what kind of adventure we can drum up as Rosemary marks another walk around the sun!