We’ve been home from our San Diego vacation for just over a week and I’ve only just realized that I’ve neglected posting any sort of pictures or updates. As remedy, here comes a heaping handful…or five:

On Monday, as I was loading the car and getting things ready for the long drive home, Maddie followed me out through Grandma’s garage to the driveway. She paused by the open front door of the Prius, looking in as I shoved our backpacks and other gear into the trunk. “I’m all ready for our road trip,” she announced.



“Oh, you are, are you?” I answered. “I thought you were still asleep on the couch.”

“I was,” said Maddie. “But I heard the door and figured it was time. Let’s hit the road.”

I glanced at my watch. “Not quite yet, Maddie,” I said, leaning against the car. “We’re still waiting on Jennifer. What’s your hurry?”

“I heard a rumor that we were going to stop at Pea Soup Andersen’s for dinner.”

“I’ve heard that rumor too,” I replied, guesstimating the number of hours until we would reach Santa Nella. “Does this mean you’re all done having fun at Grandma’s house?”

Maddie considered this. “No,” she said. “I’m still having fun, and I love seeing Grandma, but I’ve got stuff to do. Besides, since yesterday was the big Easter party, and I ate way too much food, it’s time to get back to my daily walks to the park, y’know?”

“Understood,” I said. “Me too.” Jennifer and Jill walked through the door into the garage, already making their goodbyes. “Here comes Jennifer. Hop in,” I added, indicating the driver’s seat with the side of my hand.

Maddie reached up, stretched, then squatted as if she were about to leap into the car. Then she paused. “Maybe you could give me a boost,” suggested Maddie.



“A boost?” I said, putting my hands on my hips. “Maddie, you’ve been jumping up and down on Grandma’s couch all week long. Just hop in.”

“I wasn’t kidding about eating too much this week,” said Maddie. “I really do need that boost. And hurry up, would you? We’ve got a long, long drive ahead of us and I’m really starting to look forward to that pea soup. Mmmm… I can smell it already.”

( More pictures and stuff behind the cut... )