Have you read Cormac McCarthy’s depressing opus, The Road? Have you lived it? Today, I attempted to take the kids through a “short cut” through Franklin Park on the way back from the zoo. We ended up getting lost, which is no surprise to anyone who knows me. [True story: I once used the map app to get directions to a place that was 0.3 miles from where I was standing, although in my defense, I did not know that at the time.] George’s legs were tired (fair) but when I told him that if he didn’t stop whining, he wouldn’t get any ice cream later, he commenced a two-mile traveling temper tantrum (not fair). He sobbed like a telenovela star, crying, “I want iccccccce creammmmmm” for 50 minutes straight, as I dragged his deadweight further and further into what turned out to be an endless spiral further into the woods. Later, I had to give him a piggyback ride, with my backpack holding our water bottles, lunch cooler, and camera worn as a frontpack, and my phone at 13%. The Road would’ve been a welcome respite.

Anyway, before that, we had a good morning.

We successfully walked a mile, which is a lot for little legs, so props to the kids for the first leg of our journey. Those who followed us last year know that the zoo is our go-to, and we have our usual activities there: gorilla watching, budgie feeding, 51¢ penny-making, and the kids’ favorite attraction: the playground.

George and I tried to recreate our epic budgie moment from last year, but it just didn’t happen. I guess we’re just more photogenic this year.

Tomorrow, we’re meeting the Maries at the Museum of Science. Let us pray our journey is a more peaceful one.

And … we’re back. We’ve abandoned our regularly scheduled programming of work and school for SUMMER VACATION. Again.

We kicked it off old-school, with a trip to the sprinkler park/playground with the two Maries (you know, French Marie and British Marie).

After a picnic at the sprinkler park, a long scooter-ride home (I’ve learned George’s scooter limit is one and a half times the distance to the scooter park), and George’s nap, we did something we’ve never done together before … rode the BLUE LINE. (It’s much more exciting than it sounds if you’re train-obsessed.)

When you’re the only ones in your train car, you have a dance party. That’s the rule. We went to a library we’ve never been to before (shout out – West End!) to pick up some museum passes, and then walked the Freedom Trail, ran some pigeons down, and ate our weight in shumai (Hazel), char siu bao (George), and assorted other Chinese food (me).

Then, we got some mouse cupcakes to-go from our favorite Chinatown bakery, the aptly named Great Taste Bakery, and headed home.

Does “Two Summers At Home” have the same ring to it?

Last summer was so m̶a̶g̶i̶c̶a̶l̶ ̶a̶w̶e̶s̶o̶m̶e̶ scrumtrulecent. I got to experience my kids at their very best – carefree, joyful, unhurried – and they got to experience me at mine.

So when Matty suggested I take the summer off, I jumped at the chance.

And while I have loved my year at PJA with some of the smartest, nicest, funniest people in the biz, I can’t pass up this opportunity. So on June 24th, I start my second summer at home. Can’t wait.