How to Have Fun on a Weekend Family Vacation

            This last weekend, my family and I decided to ditch town for a little vacation.  Most families go somewhere far away from home for their trips, but my family drove two hours to stay in a hotel.  However, I can easily say it was one of the best vacations ever.  Why?  (*begin epic, deep announcer's voice) Well, let me teach you how to have fun on ANY weekend family vacation!

1// Don't Complain:  Seriously though, whining all the way there is not going to make your parents spontaneously pick a different destination.  You might as well enjoy it or you're not only going to ruin it for yourself, but also your family.

2// Take Very Random Pictures: YOU CAN NEVER TAKE TOO MANY PICTURES!  It's a fact.  Some of them may seem very worthless, but each picture holds a memory from the vacation which makes them priceless!

This was the first picture I took on my new Canon Powershot.

3// Don't Underestimate the Power of Food Entertainment: A lot of people may not believe that food is a form of entertainment, but guess what: It's the best!  I don't think I've ever been bored while eating.  And who would be with all the amazing restaurants we are blessed with?

AMAZING crab nachos from Joe's Crab Shack

Lobster with bacon-wrapped shrimp and scallops.

I-Hop Breakfast that consisted of Peaches and Cream Brioche French Toast.

We hit-up the Ribfest on the way back home!

4// Embarrass Another Family Member: Especially if you have a younger sibling, it seems like family members are the easiest people to embarrass.  My mom and I are two people who always know how to have a good time, and if that entails doing something not quite 'normal' then we don't hesitate.  My brother, on the other hand, would much rather hide when my mom and I are in rare form.

5// Enjoy the area you are in:  I've been to Omaha HUNDREDS of times, but we went to a lot of places this trip that I'd never even known existed.  One of these was a little pond/lake that was near the ConAgra Foods Offices.  It was really pretty and a great time-killer while we waited for supper-time.

This is actually a WWII Memorial that we had no idea even existed! 

          I hope this list has helped you for your next short, family vacation!  No matter WHERE you go, it's possible to have fun; especially when you're with your family!  I actually didn't take my Macbook on the trip, and (even though it sucked) the separation was needed to spend some real bonding-time with my family.  What are some of your favorite things to do on a family vacation?