Lucky enough (on St. Patrick's Day as a person with some Irish descent) to see this beauty near Lake Geneva, WI.  It was a full rainbow, actually a double, with the top of the arc disappearing in storm clouds and reappearing out the other side.  Significant, I'd say.

What an Adventure!

Our "Two by Land and Two by Sea" adventure almost a month ago was a perfect break from the ordinary.  We each took one child and took off.  Rob and Delaney cruised aboard an aircraft carrier up the west coast.  Aidan and I shadowed them by land, driving almost 1,000 miles beginning in San Francisco to meet them in Washington. 

We two began Day One with a quiet lunch on Fisherman's Warf, Alcatraz in the background.  A glass of wine to reward myself for getting us this far without incident, chicken nuggets for Aidan for the same reason.  It was good to have time to snuggle and talk and explore with my little boy.

A couple of days later, we were in the thick of it.  Far from civilization with no Starbucks or McDonald's in sight (see, I used both of our perspectives here), huge trees, clean air, glimpses of the ocean here and there, nothing but time on our hands with very little planned.  Aahh, bliss!

What a stunningly beautiful part of our country.  Hours of driving with nothing to amuse a five year old except for two Lego action figures and the passing scenery (and not a word of complaint...impressive).   

Delaney and Rob had left San Diego by this time and were out on the open sea.  No contact by phone or email.  They turned out to be quite seaworthy:  no sea-sickness in rough seas.  Rob said that Delaney slept like a baby being rocked by the waves.  

On our way through the redwood forests of the great Northwest......and around the same time on the same day, far out at sea....

I did not like to think of those two (especially her) on that flight deck with no railings, out on the vast ocean.  I told Rob that if anything should happen to her, he need not come back.  However (!), I was glad for her opportunity to be there (Thanks, Jim!) and happy she could have her dad to herself for awhile (and he to have her).

We four reunited and enjoyed a weekend in Seattle.  It was quite an adventure, the first of its kind and many more to come.

  Peace!

Delaney is 9

Today, my baby girl is 9 years old.  She is a wonder of a human child.  Sensitive, strong, loving, neurotic (just a little bit), smart, curious, beautiful, talented, and she has an adventurous spirit.  It is fascinating to watch her unfold before our eyes.  I love her, because for now she is mine, and I love her for the person she is yet to become.  What a gift to truly enjoy spending time with her.  Happy Birthday, Delaney Jane.