Natalie Merchant performs one of my favorite songs ever —

THESE ARE DAYS
Natalie Merchant/ Christian Burial Music © 1992

These are days you’ll remember

Never before and never since, I promise
will the whole world be warm as this
and as you feel it, you’ll know it’s true
that you are blessed and lucky
it’s true, that you are touched by something
that will grow and bloom in you

These are days you’ll remember

When May is rushing over you with desire
to be part of the miracles you see in every hour
you’ll know it’s true, that you are blessed and lucky
it’s true, that you are touched by something
that will grow and bloom in you

These are the days
that you might fill with laughter
until you break

We are off on a family vacation this week in Orlando mixed with a few days of work for Dave. (Lest you call me out on being unsecure I will tell you that my wonderful niece is house sitting and our faithful guard dog is doing her duty.) I’ve had some sweet thoughts about family vacations. Amid all the preparation to get a family of five off on a journey, it is somehow worth it. We’ve been at amusement parks this week during fall break. Our youngest doesn’t remember half the experiences she had at Disney since she was only two the last time we visited. She often reminds us of this when she looks at the old photos.

The nice thing about park rides is that they are a wonderful opportunity to see your child in a different light. When challenged to try something new, Dave and I have found that personalities play a huge part in whether that challenge will be accepted or not. One child does not like any of the 4-D coasters or shows; the next likes most everything, but feels fine about saying no to some with no explanation; and one little squirt will say yes to any ride that she is tall enough to ride. (Guess who?!?) We’ve had a lot of fun trying new things this week.

Well, actually I didn’t like a ride at Universal which soaked me to the bone.

But besides that I have really enjoyed hanging out with my family. I’m enjoying “the days we will remember”.