an 8th grade rite of passage is upon us

It is time for the 8th grade Washington, D.C. trip! After first our little lady wasn't sure she wanted to go. Then we talked about flying with her friends, staying in a hotel with her friends, seeing America's history, and the fact that 31 years later I still remember MY trip. After that, she was IN! It is so crazy that we have an 8th grader.

She is measured for a cap and gown for 8th grade graduation. That happened in PE class a month or so ago. We are enrolled in high school. Freshman orientation is over. The 8th grade graduation party has been planned by the 8th grade class parent volunteers. We even got on the graduating class's Facebook page for the high school.

I can NOT. I just can't. If you saw me dabbing tears at the freshman orientation, that was NOT an illusion. I am so excited for my babe to go on this D.C. trip. I was the one telling her to go! And now? I am not dropping her at the school because I will cry. No doubt in my mind. My husband will take her to the bus drop off and get the mandatory pictures since I have to be at work. Then she will be spared mama's waterworks. 

We created this amazing little human. She was a snuggly little baby that ate everything, drank everything, and (after 4 weeks) she slept like a lamb. Then there was the cute toddler with 9,000 questions, whisps of baby hair, and nonstop energy. Bump forward to the grade schooler who learned empathy, a love of crafting, gymnastics, and Star Wars. She loved to dress herself and cried when the big kids made fun of her looks. And now we have this long legged, long haired sassy, yet kind, goofy, snuggly 8th grader.

Don't blink. Time is a thief! She still loves my hugs (at home only). We still do mother-daughter days, outings and trips. She's my boo thang, my diva, my sidekick. But she isn't my baby any more except for in my head.

Tomorrow she takes her first flight without us. She will be on a traditional adventure. All the middle schools in this area have done this trip for over 30 years. She is going to love it! She will soak it up, ask questions, take pictures, buy souvenirs and becomes a part of history. And me? I will patiently wait for me check in texts, pictures at night, and just hope everything is perfect for her. 

Ignore me for being sappy and sentimental. When you go all over running errands for your kid to fly with 3 ounce bottles, cash AND gift cards, and all the other things in between, it makes you pause. I am grateful. We are lucky. We are blessed. 

Fingers crossed for a seamless trip for all our local 8th graders! Here's to hoping everyone has fun and plays nice. It looks like the weather will be warm and dry. I am sending thoughts, hugs, and wine for the moms patiently waiting at home by their phones to hear from their babies 😀 Stay strong mamas (and dads, too!).

for the love of a quick road trip

We had the opportunity to travel and see family this weekend. We had good road conditions, safe travels and lots of laughs. Getting there took some planning, but it was easy. Overall, it was absolutely worth the drive to see family and have some fun. And the best part is always hanging out at the hotel after a day of fun.

We got to soak in the hotel hot tub that was clean and updated. There were no splashing children, no loud music, no crowds of people. It was great. It was just our family soaking and chatting, relaxing and catching up. Then we played a rousing game of catch with a rubber duck someone found by the pool. Who knew the little things would bring such relaxation and joy?

There were road trip snacks and card games each night with a movie on in the background. When you have kids and pets, it feels like you pack a small Uhaul, but we had all the right things and everyone was able to unwind and be comfortable. Last night we had wine in hotel cups as we caught up on the day's events in our cozy pjs. Those kind of nights just make you pause to be grateful for opportunities to celebrate family, unwind, slow down and just relax. Every day brings adventures when you have kids and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the hotel fun through the kid's eyes this weekend. 

For those of you that road trip with the kids AND the pets, bravo! For those that don't, I see you and I get it. I personally will never turn down a hotel hot tub. I will pack, prepare and plan like a champion for a chance to leave our house and try some new spot. And what could be better than room drinks with laughter and fun???