"No One Shovels the Snow Off This Roof"

As we wait for the snow to melt and wonder where it will all go, I have a better idea. Here, they have snow on the roof, but your skin radiates from the warmth of the warm Florida sun.  This year we decided to forgo the pile of birthday presents for the kids and surprise them with a trip to Harry Potter World at Universal. We told them we were going to the dentist, but 30 miles later, as we drove through Danbury en route to the airport, Kate asked if we had changed dentist as this new one seemed so far away. We usually take the self-centered approach and travel to a race, but this time we thought we would dedicate 5 days entirely to childlike bliss where one never stops moving,  spinning, flipping, or using all 5 senses at the same time. My husband quietly rolled his eyes at the thought, knowing he would feel green from a week of roller coasters. We met up with our closest friends and we now realize that friends make life experiences so much more fun. Our kids buddied up and had a blast drinking Butter-Beer, while even I had a play-date with one of my closest friends away from all of the monotony of our normal routine. Even my eye rolling husband that squawked at the idea of  a week of Micky Mouse behavior, seemed to relish the time with kids and friends as he giggled his way down the log flume chute. My son Peter had a flame lit from within, that has carried him through the winter. This trip inspired him to read the Harry Potter series. Only minutes ago, he walked past me dressed in his HP robe and round glasses with book 4 in hand. Most rewarding was seeing my daughter, with tears in her eyes, as she walked thought the World of Harry Potter saying "thank you for the best trip of my life".  We all have these moments that make us realize that we need to have these experiences with our family.  They are vital in making the boring routine days have the hope that just around the corner is adventure. These experiences stay with you, whether it be a trip to Wally World or a trip to the Grand Canyon. So as we shovel snow off our roofs, this photo brings me back to a blissful place where leaks don't happen, magic overcomes boredom and kids and grown-ups alike, relish in being a family.