Today is the last day of the first semester of school for my girls. Missed assignments, and makeup work from extended time away with family emergencies was finally due.

Even though the girls do school work every day, this week was definitely cram week. Papers, notebooks, magic markers, laptops and tangled power cords stretched from one end of the apartment to the other.

I helped Ava save projects to the correct hard drives and webmail servers while purging my closet and shelves from the unnecessary surplus that kept spilling into our room.

But, next week we will pack up our little minivan and head to Key West. Will be tent camping just a couple miles from the historic district. Our bikes, tents, kayaks and snorkeling gear, will be strapped to the van. No doubt we will resemble the Beverly Hillbillies as we sail over the seven mile bridge.

The second semester of school starts on Tuesday, and the girls will still have their computers in tow. We’re staying at a WiFi enabled campground, and have already located the public library.

I think we are all ready for a little vacation and down time. It seems as we have been running hard and had to push through to get through the end of the year in every area of our life.

When we decided to hit the reset button on life four years ago, it was so we can take trips such as these. Jump in the car, pack a tent and go. We don’t have a huge agenda, other than welcoming laughter, connection and memories! Hopefully we will return recharged and refueled for a new year of growing and learning together.