Impromtu Trip to Notre Dame. (aka educational investment)

My 13yo son had the opportunity to go to the University of Notre Dame this week with a good friend and his family. His friend's mom is an alum, and every summer they road trip back to her alma mater and stay in the dorms for a few days and cruise around the sites.
Isn't it beautiful? At least the photo sure is -- I've never had the chance to visit myself.

This opportunity presented itself just last week, but despite the rather late notice it was decidedly an opportunity for Conner that we couldn't pass up. I'd like to say that it messed up our budget for the month, but... *Confession* We haven't yet sat down and discussed our budget for June! I really can't justify this. "Small moves, Ellie." (Name that movie.)

Besides being able to spend time with his friend -- a requirement for every modern teenager -- Conner gets to accompany the family on a campus tour with his friend's older sister, who's visiting as a prospective student.

At home, we try to promote an atmosphere that encourages our children to pursue higher education: we talk as though going to college is just a given. Conner is already giving thought to college, where he might go (and how he's going to pay for it)... This trip is so much more than just fun; it's an investment.

• Check to The Mom for overnights in dorm and groceries: $50.00
• Cash to Conner for eating out and incidentals: $60.00
• Total for trip: $110