June 19

We got up this morning and took a roughly eight-hour car ride south to join Adam's extended family for a long weekend in Lake Arrowhead. (Thank you to Mary for taking care of my plants!)

The trip itself was mostly uneventful; we visited a trio of Mickey D's along the way (the first for pre-departure McMuffins, a road trip staple at our house; the second for the males for lunch; and the last for a desperately needed potty break amid horrid LA traffic), and listened to an extensive Morgan Wallen-heavy playlist compiled by the kiddos. (Incidentally, I was shook to find out that Brady knows every word of "Dirt Road Anthem." Who was that kid bro country rapping next to me in the second row?!)

When we arrived at the house we'll be sharing with Adam's parents, his sister, and his brother's family, we dined on pasta, and then there was chit chat in the common area until bed time. I had a particularly good talk with Adam's brother, with whom --although I've been married into the fam for nearly 23 years-- I'd never really had a lengthy conversation.

And now it's far too late and I'll be quite tired in the morning. But I head off to bed feeling thankful for a safe, mostly uneventful trip and for the blessing of family.