OK...

So this winter was extremely harsh this past year, and while I was staring at drifts of snow and below zero temperatures, I began to dream.... What if I could take the kids on a huge road trip, one where it was sunny all the time, one where the car ran perfectly, one where we got to spend time with people that we don't see enough. I am a bit of a dreamer and contain more than my fair share of optimism, so I began to plan this dream. I admit, part of me didn't really believe the dream would come alive and I realistically expected some road blocks. But, in the end, the dream ALL came true: My dad drove with the kids and I to the beach and spent some time with us at the beach. Matt took a long weekend and spent time at the beach and returning to Ft. Bragg N.C. to our old apartment and army base. Mimi came to the beach to celebrate Tagg's birthday. Colleen came to the beach to help us drive to Portland, Maine and make a few stop overs to see some wonderful Philadelphia friends. We spent great time in Maine with our family. Matt, the kids and I took the drive home with ease. Sarah, Chris, Lucy and Jude met us in Iowa City to have a swimming get together. We never had to drive in rain, we never had one single day of rain at the beach, nobody had any flight problems and every flight was on time or early for arrival. Perhaps this "dream" went on for too long and I have no idea if I will ever have the chance to dream like this again, but I am so grateful for the people and time I was given for this amazing dream.