Back in Action!

Well..kinda.

I am going to go ahead and put it out there. I am the world's WORST long-trip passenger. I absolutely, 100% HATE long drives. With a passion. We went to Amelia Island, which isn't the farthest destination for a vacation, but wow was it long enough for me. I was tolerable for the first 6, 7 hours, but I know I was pretty unbearable by the end (SORRY, JULIE!!). Anyway, I'm kind of dealing with road hangover today. That and the fact that it's a good 20 degrees cooler here. Happy to see some 70s in the 10 day forecast, though!

First things first...the trip. I don't even know where to start. Wow. What a trip. It was everything I wanted it to be. Relaxing, stress-free heaven. No coordinating of schedules, meals, nothing. I was only responsible for myself. We did the same thing every single day--breakfast at the hotel (part of the deal), beach, nap, beach, dinner/drinks, bed. Repeat. I read some great books, took some amazing naps, laid around, ate amazing seafood, had FABULOUS margaritas, went to bed early. That is it. No crazy sight-seeing, no feeling that I had somewhere else I needed to be. Amelia Island even keeps the dining decisions simple--there really aren't all that many places to eat. It. Was. Wonderful. Julie was a great travel companion, too--so laid back. To sum it up--it was exactly what I needed after this insane year (and trust me, it has been insane...), and I feel rejuvenated and ready to go back to work for this final push before summer break. Okay, after the trip hangover dissipates.

I got home last night in time to see the kids before bed, which was just awesome. Anderson was sitting on the end table that is right in the doorway (he pretends it's a "stage"; he sees his teachers sit on the stage at school and he likes to emulate them). He may not be able to voice his missing me, but the smile on his face said it all. Such a genuine, huge smile!!! I wish I could've captured that moment, paused it and recorded it to store in my memory forever. Anderson very rarely expresses his affection. I mean, he loves to be around people and talk to them, play with them, but he's not a hugger or kisser by nature, and he certainly doesn't spontaneously tell people that he loves them. Instead of wishing that he were different, were able to communicate affection, I just focus on appreciating it even more when he DOES. This was one of those occasions. He's made a few anxious comments since, too....like "Mommy isn't going to the trip house." He will get over it, like he always does. Happy to be missed...absence makes the heart grow fonder on both ends. Amelia gave me a huge, huge hug and lots of kisses. It was love all around.

Thank you to everyone who commented or sent me a message about the potential surgery. I appreciate the thoughts and suggestions. I'm kind of putting the whole thing on the back burner until after my 2nd opinion, which is scheduled for a week from today. I wouldn't really call it denial, more like postponing stress. Wouldn't it be great if we could always postpone stress to a better time? I know it isn't always possible. I'm taking advantage.

I feel a significant post brewing about the trip...and about the importance of being able to take small breaks, getaways without the family. My brain is too groggy to think that deeply today, but look for it in the near future. In the meantime, thanks to so many of you for donating to our Autism Speaks page! We are collecting through April, and are getting closer to reaching our goal! I'll post another link to our donations page in a bit--on my iPad and it isn't as user-friendly.

Hope my teacher friends have enjoyed the break...feels good to be home.