100_0832Over the years, we’ve been fortunate enough to have the means to take our family on some solid trips and vacations.  But in all honesty, looking back on what we’ve done and where we’ve been, it’s pretty clear that we screwed up.  Instead of teaching our kids about all the world has to offer, and leading them to find lives filled with curiosity and exploration, we took the easy way out.  It pains me a little to look at a list of trips we’ve taken, and even more so to list some of them here.  We’ve been to Disney World five times, Universal Studios twice, and Busch Gardens on a weekend for kicks.  As a result, my kids have grown up thinking of “The Mummy” ride as the height of adventure travel.

So when my wife’s parents surprised my kids on their 13th birthday and announced plans to take them on a 10 day trip to the Galapagos Islands, I had two conflicting emotions.  I was thrilled at the idea of such an incredible experience being given to my young and growing children.  And I was pissed that I didn’t get to go with them.

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