There are times when you just can’t get enough of a good thing.
Not long ago, Tyler Stanton and I took our oldest sons on the first of many Mantrips.
I wrote about it using wry wit and calculated humour.
Tyler writes of this adventure using flannelgraph and a styrofoam cup.

Check out his perspective right here.

A new tradition has been started between the Keigley Men and the Stanton Men.
It has been dubbed Mantrip (and then we cleverly add the year).
Tyler and I decided that we should ease our way into such a manly trip with our sons.
We briefly considered living off the fat of the land for a week, but decided to rough it at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC.
It was amazing.
After returning safely to our homes, I created a list of a few things you should consider before embarking on your first Mantrip:

1. Need to Have a Son or Two
I have 2 and Tyler has 2.
It is perfectly fine to not take your boys, but if you have them, they should be included in the beard-strengthening event.

2. Have a Destination Planned
Be sure to have a good place to go.
Make a plan ahead of time, and be sure to go the wrong way for at least 30 miles at some point.

3. Bring a Plastic Barrel of Cheese Balls
Not necessary, but draws lots of attention from people at Wal-Mart while the Cheese Balls are being purchased.
This could create an opportunity for you to talk about the Mantrip and test your knowledge of the event.

4. Have an Obscene Amount of Fun/Adventure
For us, it was watching our boys dive into uncharted waters. Literally.
We were able to see them face a fear, laugh at it and then want to do it again and again.

5. Tell the Tale
Upon returning, be sure to have your stories straight so that some of your embellished accounts check out at both camps.
Be sure to use fresh wounds or scabs for visuals as you recall the events of the trip.

If you have taken your little dudes on a Mantrip, what other details should we know?