Building Strong Families

What is the key to having a strong and happy family? I don't believe there is one perfect answer to this question, but I do think I may know some things that can attribute to the happiest of a family. When I look on social media, I see a lot of families that are going on this extravagant trips together, or are playing with expensive toys such as jet skis, ATVS, or boats. It can be easy to see these families and think how they must be so happy together building these memories together. But what about the families that spend their Saturday going over to their neighbors yard to help them move? Or going on a camping trip in tents? When it comes to the happiness of families and the joy we can get from activities, it does not matter how extravagant or expensive they are, but rather the activity you are doing to help strengthen the family. I know for myself, the fondest memories I have with my siblings and parents are when we would just pack our backpacks, and takes our tents and go in the woods. I remember sitting around the campfire, cooking our food, and sharing stories that we can with each other. Those are the memories that really stick out to me in my childhood. Now I am not saying that it is bad to go on cruises or go boating, but I feel like it is important for parents to know that it is NOT necessary for them to do those things to make their children... happy. I found have the more simple, the better.
I feel like it is more beneficial for parents to choose activities that produce" ...stronger family relationships, compassion, skills, knowledge, and more valuable memories..."(Successful Marriage and Families).  You are not going to really produce those qualities while going on a cruise. But you could build those qualities learning how to start a camp fire, or hiking up a mountain together. It is definitely easy to get caught up in the world, especially when we see all these things on social media about what cool things people are doing with their families. But I firmly believe that if we focus more on being more simple and finding activities that allow children to explore and learn and grow, then we will succeed in our jobs as parents.