So… Portugal. I didn't tell anyone we were even going until the trip week was upon us.  We planned to take this trip two years ago. I spent it in the hospital instead. Though we have gone many places since, somehow this trip just struck a little fear in my heart, remembering. It felt a little jinxy to mention it as certainly as I had then.  My body did fight back some on this trip but we made it and we saw so many beautiful things.  The best moments traveling together are these though – the together part. While we love the big family trips, these shorter adventures with just a few of the kids make for a gift of one on one time with them. 

I am really grateful my guys were game for getting up in the wee hours to walk to the marina with me to watch the sun come up over the water. I have spent so many years stealing every moment of sleep possible – since they are always elusive in our family. It's sort of counterintuitive for me to set the clock on vacation, but it was so very worth it. We were alone on the boardwalk, save for a few early morning runners, and it was magically still. 

Well, it was magically still until Kieran was completely awake and feeling his oats. ; ) 

The other awesome part about traveling with my guys?  They carry my stuff.  I owe you one, Aidan!