I put this photo on my desk.....to remind myself why we're going to Long Island and NYC this June. This is a picture of my kids about 10 years ago in Florida. My littlest one....who is now 6'3" and a senior in high school is the sand Merman.
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I imagine this will be one of our last family vacations for a while.......my daughter is working with autistic children in Ohio and hopes to get into a behavioral psychology grad school program this year. My oldest son now has a job and little by little is becoming more independent. Mr. Merman....is going off to college....to Iowa this fall.
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It's cliche to say you are startled to discover your kids are growing up....but I feel both startled and proud of them....a few years ago I found myself walking on a beach on Long Island....and I was so taken by the crashing waves, the slant of the sun and the wonder of the place.......that I wanted to share this with the kids.....and create an adventure they would remember ....something they would talk about...at future family gatherings ...."Do you remember the time we went to New York and......."
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As I surf the web till my rump is numb..... trying to figure things out....and gasping at the cost of rental cars and hotels.......I remind myself.....that one of the things I do best....(besides being stubborn) ....is planning....and organizing....(you want to get from A to B....call me)....and this is my opportunity to shine.
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I'm a lousy domestic diva....a stern and sometimes pushy Mom.....and a tireless soap box orator on facing fears....getting out there.....and experiencing people and adventures in your life....so you end up textured.
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It would be easy to go back to Florida....easy to arrange this some place else.....but I wanted all my kids to learn that challenges are okay.....that taking a risk with strange hopes and dreams in your heart is an okay habit to get into...
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I stumbled onto Long Island and found wonder.....
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Now let's see if I can stumble and find a way to get #1 son and #2 son and #2 son's girlfriend out of two different airports on the same day......lol
( I know....mega sentimental idealist....bend me over and spank me.)
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