There’s nothing like the anticipation of going on vacation! Actually, my anticipation is probably different from most other people’s. Did I pack enough sunscreen? Why can’t I find my SPF 100? Is this SPF 45 going to be enough? Should I pack aloe just in case I get sunburned? How many hats should I pack? How do I pack this big brim?? Will everyone hate me by the time this trip is over? And how is that different from when we’re NOT traveling together…

I think everything went okay, for the most part. I did the group things, but I knew when it was time to separate myself and let them go do fun “tan people” stuff. However, I did participate in fun-in-the-sun day to the best of my ability. I put a positive affirmation out into the universe and then waited for something magical to happen. I floated through caves. I swam with dolphins. And after re-applying sunscreen 3 times, I managed to come away with just a little pink on my chest and shoulders. I consider that a success. Seeing photos of that pigment-free, eyebrowless redhead bobbing up and down in the water with a dolphin wasn’t the postcard moment I was hoping for, but hey — I kissed a dolphin. And I liked it!

And while there’s nothing like the anticipation of going on vacation, there’s nothing like coming HOME!!!! I was thankful for a beautiful trip to the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, but so ready to wrap my arms around Emma Kelly the minute I landed…and went through the first customs line…and then waited for my bag…and then went through the second customs line…and then found my daddy waiting for me in a sea of limos, taxis, and sedans outside…and then drove half an hour towards my new home out in the suburbs, but not before stopping off at the grocery store because Mama needed a few things for supper…and then waiting at the house for another half an hour before EK’s daddy brought her home…but THEN I finally got to wrap my arms around my little girl! She was so happy to see me, she didn’t even ask what I brought her.