And now, back to our regularly scheduled program...

...long hot, humid summer days, a messy house, a shrinking bank balance, multitasking like crazy and lots of whining.  (The boys complain quite a bit as well.)

But we did have a fun (and full) family vacation.  It began with a road trip during which I managed to stretch the 8 hour route into one that was just over twelve hours.  I guess I'm just talented that way.

You'd never know it from the photo, but the backseat was a disaster within 45 minutes of starting out.  At each stop, I disposed of what I could and wiped down the surfaces, but I wasn't fooled into thinking I could keep up with the mess the boys were making.  Since I wasn't allowing electronic devices, I was very glad that they kept busy with books, stickers, crayons, chenille stems and matchbox cars.  Oh, and snacks.  Lots and lots of sticky snacks.

We crossed the long bridge over the Mississippi River with half a tank of gas to spare.  See-- it is possible to learn from past mistakes.  I thought the long ride went well but the next day Henry was none too happy to be back in a vehicle, even if it was just to drive to lunch.

Liam, however, was read to take the wheel and enjoyed steering every vehicle he could get his hands on.  Speaking of my boy who has never met an engine he didn't love, on our last night he stayed up late  in the hotel to watch a NASCAR race on television.  Propped up on those pillows in that giant bed watching Jimmie Johnson take the lead--my little boy was in his glory.

We really did have a wonderful time spending time with friends who are like family.  The boys saw their first 4th of July fireworks from a distant field--not up close where the noise and bright flashes would scare them..  They ran around with a bunch of other children waving their neon glow sticks and occasionally glancing toward the pops of color in the night sky.  It was a classic way to celebrate.  I'm so glad they were able to experience it.

The week ended much too soon and we found ourselves back on the road.  I could have driven straight through but instead stopped around 4 o'clock so the boys could swim at a Holiday Inn.  Truth be told, I wasn't in a big hurry to get home and start the laundry.  That could wait for another day.

Liam, his blanket and his stuffed animals

glad to be out of the backseat

well-rested and ready for breakfast

not quite ready to get back on the road

It sounds cliche, but we really do connect much better as a family when we are away from the distractions of our daily lives.  Don't get me wrong, we're happy in our familiar surroundings and I'm grateful I can provide stability and consistent routines.  Sometimes, though, it's nice to go far away so we can be close together.