Happy Spring

The birds are singing, weeds are taking over the yard and area public schools will be closed for spring break April 5-9.
At many workplaces, competition is fierce among parents trying to schedule that prime week off.
Some families are fortunate to be able to schedule trips out of town. Disney World seems to be the perennial favorite this time of year. Several friends (with children not yet in school and/or private school) recently returned from Florida, looked glassy-eyed and repeating, “Have a Magical Day.”
We foolishly did Disney one August when the temperature was a balmy 108 degrees; I would recommend spring instead.
Adventures go hand-in-hand with family travel. As parents, we’ve all seen our kids get carsick, airsick, amusement-ride sick and just sick sick on vacation.
On a trip to New York City, we had to make numerous emergency trips to the restroom during “The Lion King,” as The Child had eaten something that did not agree with her. Sharing a bed with her that night was not a good idea.
I’d never begrudge a sick child (OK, not too much). But I got her back last year on a four-hour bus trip through the mountains. Enough said.
We’ve had lots of other spring break adventures. The highlight of a trip to Minneapolis was getting snowed in the Chicago airport, sleeping on the floor and eating from vending machines in the employee lounge.
In France, we sought middle-of-the-night stitches from a doctor who spoke not a word of English.
And that’s just with one child. My hat’s off to large families who effortlessly manage to get everyone out the door and to a destination unscathed. And so far, I’ve never heard of a “Home Alone” kind of situation happening in real life.
If you’re staying in Richmond this spring break, there’s plenty to do. Area parks are ready for picnickers, many museums and organizations are offering day camps and there are myriad activities happening.
If you’re traveling, I hope everything goes smoothly. But if not, I hope you have some good adventures. Drop me a note and let me know.
Happy Spring!