Powell turned Texas (5/2018)

With wounds still fresh from 2017's Lake Powell disappointment, we uncharacteristically leaped at the chance to visit Lake Powell in May. We didn't care that it was off-season or that it fell during the school year or that we'd be navigating less enticing water temps - we simply had to get there! As the date approached, we were devastated to learn that the boat had yet again been slapped with a non-seaworthy sticker and we wouldn't be able to go. With one week's notice, we frantically searched for a getaway using randomized fingerpointing to decipher our destination. Texas was where our finger landed on the map and we took off (with Aunt Jordy as our trusty sidekick). We had a blast exploring new places: the Houston Space center where we met an astronaut, the Bureau of Engraving and Stockyards in Fort Worth, a tour of the Dallas Cowboys stadium, an over-hyped visit to Magnolia, touring an oil rig, and our favorite- an uncharacteristically clear gulf view for days. But, the real joy of the trip was the opportunity to see my children in a very different light. Apart from the cares of the world, we spent large amounts of time laughing and joking together. I found myself reveling in each child's unique sense of humor - as opposed to staccatoed glimpses during the daily grind. It seemed so easy to see and enjoy their budding personalities - absent of the inevitable flaws/ faults I allow myself to stress about in our regular environment. I am so grateful for the detour; however, with superstitious fingers crossed, I long for Lake Powell.