I didn’t feel brave the way most people commented when speaking about our current trip. Mostly I felt excited, sporadic, and light.  I felt close to my boys.  I felt observant.  I felt relaxed.  And of course, I felt so grateful to have been able to spend time with good old friends.

On the long drive I had lots of time to think.  Though we listened to many, many great stories (The sign of the Beaver, The Castle in the Attic, The Reluctant Dragon to name a few) there were surprisingly long stretches of silence.  We searched for license plates, we played car bingo, we chatted about big things and little things.  And then sometimes all three boys slept and I was left to my thoughts.  I thought about how both the women I was visiting were friends I was pregnant at the same time as.  First with Miles, and then with Rowan.  I thought about the closeness that brings.  About the everlasting connection of growing a human alongside a good friend.  The thought gave me a  smile for a good ninety miles.  I bet I looked goofy.

And then there was the country music making me cry.  And swimming in the hotel pool with three little boys hugging my shoulders.  And watching the original Charlie and the chocolate factory until late, late.  Room service and good manners.  Helpful little gentlemen toting bags to and fro.  My heart was the size of grapefruit by the time I pulled into the state in which I have clearly observed the most bumper stickers and the greenest landscapes.  So yes, it is true.  The grass is greener here.