With Memorial Day past it is officially summer time. Children are out of school and there is a chance to vacation. Even though gas prices are ridiculously high, planning a family get away is a welcome change from the day to day grind. It also gives you the chance to spend time with your family without interruption.

With a little research on the internet I found that there are many state parks in Alabama to visit which are reasonably priced and a beautiful place to see. There are many lakes and rivers to fish, boat and swim that will keep you cool as well. Family vacations are an important part of everyone’s life and it helps bond people together.

George Bernard Shaw once said: "Perhaps the greatest social service that can be rendered by anybody to this country and to mankind is to bring up a family." The family is an important part of our lives and spending time with your family makes for good memories and bonds you together. The role of a parent in a child’s life is so very important and learning to have fun together makes it even better.

I have a nephew whose son is serving a mission for his church in Brazil. Matthew is working hard to learn the language and keep on track but because of the slow mail, there has been no communication from his family for the past four weeks. It has been very difficult for him because he misses his family so much. We are all praying that he will very soon receive the letters that we sent him but in the mean time he will have to forge ahead. Having the support of a family helps to strengthen the lives that are living right in our own home.

Over the weekend I watched a movie with my children called Evan Almighty. I didn’t want to watch this movie because I thought it would be irreverent and ridiculous but because of a recommendation from a good friend, I watched it anyway. I was pleasantly surprised to find how good a movie it was. It really promoted drawing the family closer together which in Hollywood terms is rare to see. It even promoted family prayer which I thought I would never see in a major Hollywood film. What a good example of a story it was for parents to think about the importance of spending some good time with their children.

So break out those sleeping bags and tents and fill those coolers with food to be grilled. There are important family vacations to take that will create memories, which will last a lifetime.

Loxley resident Valerie J. Steimle is the author of two books, “Home Is Where The Heart Is, A look at strengthening the American Family,” and her latest book, “Home Is Where The Learning Is” (www.amazon.com/gp/product/1403379637). Contact her at valeriesteimle@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.stengthenyourhome.com.