The kids and I are on a mini-vacation. We were supposed to spend the first two nights with my best friend and her family, but she read her calendar wrong so we’re here in their house without them. Which is a little lonely. Next up: two night at Lake Michigan. I’m finding that vacationing solo is a somewhat lonely thing, though probably not as lonely as the fake family vacation of last summer. You’re always parenting; there is no back up. No one to take the wheel when you get tired. No one to read the map. No one to hang out the playground while you go read the New York Times. And no vacation nookie either. But the kids are as thrilled as if they had nine parents – eager to see the beach. Excited by anything New – which can mean a different shaped house than they’re used to at home, or an electronic billboard. They’re easily impressed and that’s pretty sweet. Especially when you’re as tired as I am!