One week before we leave

We are leaving in 8 days.  We are not sure where we are heading.  The kids are coming with us.

We all have bikes.  We are taking a 13 year old dog along for the ride.

What can I say?  I am homeschool mom at heart and I so long for those simple days when we had the kids home for the young tender stages two years ago.  Before the children started school, life seemed so much easier, so warm and my children were close.  They were close to me, close to each other and close to the homefires where we were doing just fine.

Now, our lives are under the constant strain of the schedule.  The rise and the shine.  The drop them at 8 and collect them at 3.  Our evenings are full of homework, athletics, church... and of course, time for friends. 

This trip to see more of the country is part of a bigger plan to see more of my family: darling, distracted husband and busy, accomplished children.  Time to cancel the schedule.  Time to regroup. 

I don't know where the bus is taking us this trip, but I know we will be gone for 23 precious days.  Each one measured.  Every stop an opportunity.  And every night, every night, we will dwell in a small, lovely RV with only a good book and each other.

I could not personally be more happy as I consider this trip.