Why do we have. . .

Dinner can be a great time of the day.  As my parents taught me, and as we have tried to do in our own family, dinner is a specific time in which other things do not intrude.  Cell phones are kept put away, everybody sits down together, and we try to talk to each other.

I do feel it is an important time.

Sometimes, this also leads to some funny, funny moments.  Such as tonight.

We were sitting there, having dinner, when Alex asked a simple question.  We were having a finger food meal.  No utensils necessary.  But we had forks, just in case.  Suddenly Alex turned to us all and asked "We do we even have forks?"

Elissa's explanation was very thorough.  "Well, sometimes when we eat, we swallow some extra air down into our stomachs.  This builds up, then eventually needs to be released.  When it does, it comes out as a burp."

The look on Alex's face was priceless.  Confusion, mixed with amusement as he looked fixedly at the fork.

That was when I pointed out that he had asked why we had forks, not burps.  Awesome.

Heading home

Heading home is always a mixed bag.  On the one hand, I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed, being able to make meals in our own kitchen, and just being around our own stuff.

However, as I look out the balcony window at the waves of the Atlantic crashing against the shore, I can't help but feel some sadness and remorse.  This has been a great week.  We have been able to play together, reconnect with family, and just relax in a way that isn't possible at home, even when not working.

I suppose the vacation isn't over yet, though.

We get a 9 1/2 hour drive today (past DC), and a 7 1/2 hour drive tomorrow (through NY).  Let the good times roll.