End of an Era

Our vacation was bittersweet this year. We had a wonderful time and experienced lots of really cool adventures, but I also got to thinking. This might be our last traditional family vacation. If all goes well, our son will be off to college next year, and perhaps we'll sneak one more trip in next summer before he goes.

But it's hard to believe my son is going to be 18 and graduating high school this year. Gone are the days of snuggling up in bed and reading a story. Gone are the days when snorkeling on the beach or login to Disney World with his mom and dad were enough to make a vacation exciting. I guess it might come a little earlier for an only child. After all, there are no built in companions. No siblings means no childhood friends on these trips. This is why we've allowed him to bring a friend on each of the last two vacations. Don't get me wrong, his friends are great and both boys were a pleasure to have along on each of the trips. It's just that we may not be enough to make it fun anymore. It makes me a little sad, but it's ok.

We are going to try to weasel one more out next summer. We're leaning more toward a family trip than a graduation party. A cruise or a trip overseas are both considerations. Time and money will both be factors in that decision. For now I'll relish all the excursions we've had and all the time we have left together before he leaves our home for college. I'm truly grateful.

Family vacation to Anna Maria Island when Jacob was 5.

This year's trip to NC. Zip lining in the Smokies.