My baby is gone!

Both ways...he's growing up and he's not here! Ben's mom proposed taking Sam with her on a trip to Cape Cod to visit Ben's sister, her kids, and various extended family.

My first reaction was NO! Of course not! But I realized the fact that I wasn't ready for him to be off on his first parent-free adventure wasn't a good reason for keeping him home when he is clearly ready to take that step.

He was so excited he woke up at 5:30 am. Beth and I drove Susan and Sam to the bus station where I stole some much-needed cuddle time prior to departure.

I nearly cried as we drove off but I shook it off and decided to enjoy the freedom. We caught up with a friend, made a pilgrimage, admired the bears, assumed our rightful position as Queen, with protection of course.

Then off to somewhere I've never heard of before. Their motto "If we don't have it you don't need it." They mean it.

Do we need this?

And Sam? He's having a fabulous time collecting specimens on the beach, fishing with hot dog pieces as bait, swimming with the big kids, capturing eels and imprisoning them in a salt water tank on the kitchen table, collecting said eel when it escapes, feeding the eel many many minnows, and generally being very independent and happy. A perfect summer adventure.