It’s a yearly ritual most of us try to do.
A vacation.
To get away from the people, places, and things–that drive you crazy all year long.

This year I decided to embrace the crazy-makers, pack them into an SUV, and haul a big ole boat across the state.
Crazy, I know.
But the stars must’ve lined up just so, as the boys didn’t beat each other senseless AND the SUV decided to cooperate.

Both events were awe-inspiring and just short of miraculous.
To put it mildly.
The 3 boys learned the joys of standing on a pebbly beach, hunting for shells.

Of quiet moments on a cool, end of summer morning.

Of letting ‘er rip and roar wide open once the no-wake zone has been breached.

Of boating on a lake, with the hot sun beating down and the life jackets chafing, oh and lest I forget–life outside xbox and WiFi access.

They learned to conquer the fear of the unknown while tubing across the wake from the boat.

The fun to be had when taking a flying leap overboard and jumping into a cool lake.

And I found happiness.

And peace, believe it or not.
And coffee.


Yeah. It was a great vacation.