Mark Pavilons

Parents of young children have mixed emotions this time of year. And, I'm sure they're just as uncertain and somewhat apprehensive as to what's in store for their summer vacation.

There are many sights and sounds to be discovered, explored and enjoyed by the entire family. All you need is time, and well, money. (Here's a reality we never have enough of either.)

Astute parents today want a good bang for their bucks. When the kids are happy and entertained, we're thrilled, and much more relaxed.

When a place welcomes you with warmth and charm, it's really unforgettable. When you find that perfect getaway, it's a feeling that can't be adequately described. Sometimes it's much closer than we think.

Our family visits the Delawana Inn at Honey Harbour each year. It has become our personal tradition of sorts. For Lexie and Liam, it's their annual exercise in creating lasting memories. This year, little Kyleigh will join the fun, placing her tiny toes in the fresh lake water for the very first time. Likely, she won't much care for the feeling or the overwhelming sight of such a large body of water.

But making memories and having fun takes many forms. From sun-kissed faces, sandy beaches and boat rides to rainy day indoor activities and great meals, it's all about spending quality time together.

I know that sounds very much like a modern cliche, but we are social creatures. We cannot and do not live in isolation. Being part of a family is likely one of the best parts of being from the human race.

And children just improve the concoction.

I have learned more about my kids and having fun in the days we spend at the Del, than I have in months of walks to the park, school outings or soccer games. Kids are great teachers, if we only listen and pay attention. They have a great ability to show us what's important and how to follow the livingin the-moment rule. Heck, they invented it!

Watching children play is another of life's grandest commodities. Who hasn't heard that loud, high-pitched giggle or squeal from a child having a blast? It's a sound that everyone associates with good, wholesome, genuine fun. It's so simple and beautiful, someone should bottle the stuff. (Remember the power of laughter in Disney's Monster's Inc.?)

Most youngsters don't care about five-star hotels, marble, chandeliers, international cuisine and the like. No, they are human beings in their very basic form.

Instead of an "ocean view" kids prefer to splash and play, and feel the waves hit them in the back. They want to squish the sand between their toes and trek that same sand everywhere they go, even into their beds at night.

Instead of a la carte, kids want pizza, hot dogs, juice and candy. And, the more they can get on their nice, white shirts the better. A kid who has truly enjoyed her meal has a full selection of condiments on her sleeves, mucky fingers and nice shade of chocolate on her lips and cheeks. The odd piece of fruit in her hair tops things off nicely.

In other words, kids enjoy life with no worries and no preconceptions. They either like something or they don't. They won't pretend.

I realize that many family vacations can be even more hectic than the fast-paced lives we leave behind. A busy schedule can complicate matters.

But in all of the holiday mayhem, I urge everyone to simply recline in the nearest Muskoka or beach chair, take a few deep breaths and watch their children having the time of their lives.

There is nothing better.