Out of Rough Beginnings...

A long-awaited family vacation that begins with hearing, "I'm sorry, ma'am, your suitcase is 4.2 pounds overweight," has the potential to make a swift downward spiral. The stress is further heightened due to it being the busy, heavily traveled time of morning at the airport. My husband quickly sets to work to remove the superfluous poundage from our suitcase. Embarrassed that my "personals" are in view of the long line that stretches behind us, I urgently whisper, "Can we at least turn it around so my "stuff" isn't on display for everyone???" We successfully transfer the extra 4 pounds to another suitcase and are soon on our way through security. Despite setting off the alarm with my belt, we make it through without much delay. Just one more check point to go...

As I approach the final turn-style with my pink travel mug in hand, the female security checker says matter-of-factly, "Tell me that cup is empty." It isn't. So as the rest of my entourage waits for me behind the final checkpoint, I search in vain for the nearest bathroom so I can pour my coffee down the drain. After several long minutes, I finally re-join my family and receive some good-natured razzing.

All this before 6:30am!

But out of rough beginnings often come glorious memories, memorable milestones, and happy endings.

The coming days will chronicle our family's vacation to Washington D.C. and the fulfillment of one of my long-held dreams. Please be patient with me as I seek to balance the hectic return to real life with my desire to chronicle our family's experiences before I forget any of the details.

"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children..." Deuteronomy 4:9