So Much Gained

Much of this trip has been an experience of overcoming. Rocks were climbed, boundaries were pushed, and we all grew beyond who we thought we were. So many people told me I was brave for taking this on, but honestly, these girls were braver by far.  

Lucy:

At several key moments, Lucy was clutch in leading by example and showing her sisters how we roll. She was better than any audiobook in her reading of Harry Potter as we drove through hours of desert. Lucy selflessly helped her dear old dad each and every time she was asked, often going ahead and knocking out the to-do before a request was made. For those who know her, that's no surprise. I was amazed with how reliable and how critical it was to the 4 of us working as one. She can't possibly know how much it kept us glued together. 

Caroline:

This one right here, our CWS ("Quiz"), our constant trooper and comic relief, she stepped beyond the little kid role, while retreating to play little kid again if she desired. For hours on end, she and Ellie made up games in the tent and giggled until I swore someone would end up crying. To her credit, no one ever did. At other times, Caroline kept up with those who wanted to stay up, even though everyone knew she was tired. In years past, her mood would have plummeted and we'd all regret pushing her too far. CWS was also a beast with rock climbing, another instance where she was well outside her comfort zone.

Ellie:

For only being 4, Ellie was rarely acting the part. She was the one who ran ahead, who set to what she wanted and steered the group toward it. Ellie was not to be denied. In her mind, we went to Vegas to ride a roller coaster and she'd be damned if some silly height requirement at New York New York was going to kill that dream, even if it meant marching all the way to the other end of the strip for Circus Circus. If it could be climbed, it was.  And if she could watch Frozen a thousand more times, she would. Just try to tell her she can't. I dare you. 

For a dad who misses dinner nearly every weeknight of the school year, this trip was about strengthening my connections to L, C, and E. In that regard, I say complete success. Beyond that, I'm left wanting to make more of the ordinary times we have together. The destinations made this trip special, but most of the best times were a matter of just relaxing and joking with each other in a way that wasn't dependent on context. Looking forward to our typical surroundings and Susie coming home. Just in time to leave for Florida. Sheesh!