Togetherness

We left for the beach on Monday the 19th. We enjoyed a week of togetherness here, then headed off for a week long cruise and returned today. It was a nice trip. A cruise offers a lot for a group our size. Easy accommodations, lots of food and transportation. The kids can have a certain degree of freedom that they couldn't get in a more open setting. One disappointing note; because hubby had booked three cabins including a nice suite for yours truly, the cruise line called him and offered a cabin upgrade (for a price, of course). We stayed in the "owner's suite" or penthouse that isn't usually offered to the general public. Anyway, it is a really nice room, sleeps six, has a whirlpool tub, two big flat screen TVs and a comfy king size bed. It overlooks the "Lido deck" and the pool, so we were told there might be "some noise" when we opened the door to our deck, etc. What they neglected to mention was that if there happened to be a live band playing 70's music until 2 am you might not be able to sleep for the deafening sound. They also didn't mention the fact that the Olympic jogging track is on the ROOF of the suite and that some people jog really early in the morning and some people find it a great way to end a long night.... Oh, then we let #1 son and # 2 daughter go snorkeling/kayaking on a ship sponsored excursion in Mexico and the taxi returning took them to the WRONG SHIP! Luckily, they were quick to figure it out, but it took a bit of a hike to get back to the right pier. These things happen, right?

Anyway, we have had a good couple of weeks. I really hate to see it end, but summer is drawing to a close. School starts for my high schoolers a week from Monday. My future lawyer starts orientation on the 11th. Grade/middle school resumes the 23rd and my oldest starts back at the end of the month. We will all be heading off in different directions and back to crazy schedules. So, for just another day or two, I am just going to savor our togetherness a little longer.