Here Endeth the Lesson

Well, we are back from our Maine vacation and after a week away, I have learned the following things…

That portable DVD players can be a godsend for long car rides.

That throwing rocks in the ocean and outrunning waves can provide hours of entertainment.

That if it weren't for french fries and potato chips, Justin probably would've starved on this trip.

That few things rival the beauty of the sun setting over the Atlantic.

That the ocean air does frightening things to my hair.

That a one-bedroom condominium looks a lot bigger on-line than in actuality.

That you don't so much care about your tiny digs when you’re just a few steps from the beach.

That Justin absolutely adores the ocean.

That places that force you to leave through the gift shop (Yeah, you York Zoo), should be avoided at all costs.

That Justin will always have "poop problems" on vacation...last time diarrhea this time constipation (sorry...TMI?)

That sometimes activities that should be so easy, can be painfully difficult.

That activities where you foresee challenges can sometimes, miraculously, go off without a hitch.

That a little bit of rain never stopped my kids from having fun outside.

That it's still hard to see Justin next to other kids his age and wonder if he'll ever catch up.

That I am completely in awe of Ryan's ability to make friends absolutely everywhere we go.

That when Ryan plays with his new found "posse" on the beach, it will still sting to see Justin forgotten on the sidelines.

That this will probably always bother me more than it will bothers him.

That where other kids may be afraid to get their clothes wet or dirty, my kids don't seem to share that feeling.

That a bunch of crayons and menus you can color can make the difference between a good restaurant experience and a bad one.

That you should always bring the stroller even if you think you won't need it.

That the fancy LL Bean water shoes will give Justin blisters on the back of his feet rendering him unable to walk comfortably in shoes (see the above).

That a week away is a very long time to be away from home...for all of us.

That I will rarely have a camera (with working batteries) at the perfect photo opportunity.

That when it comes to family vacations, there will always be highs, there will always be lows, but most importantly, there will always be memories.