My sister, being one of a handful of loyal blog readers, continued my "Positive Predictions" when writing about the second half of my vacation. Our trip to Colorado will begin a few days after our trip to Wisconsin. Enjoy!

Paige,

I haven’t heard from you since you left on vacation, so I can only assume that all of your positive predictions from your blog came true. I was a little disappointed, however, that you did not mention “Vacation: Phase 2”, during which you will join your entire family at a party already in progress in Colorado. So, in the interest of sisterly love, I have decided to add a few positive predictions for that part of your vacation.

After arriving back home in Fort Worth, the children will settle happily back into the routine with no changes in sleep patterns. The housekeeper will unpack and wash all of the clothes and ready them for your upcoming departure. Your co-workers, while finding it hard to get along without you, have managed to keep things up and running at work, so there is little catching up to do. Everything that needs to be done before leaving again will be done as planned.

Your flight to Colorado will go off without a hitch and you will arrive at the beautiful Denver airport rested and refreshed. Your husband, who has opted NOT to request that a family member make the 2 hour drive down the mountain pass to save the rental car expense, will have a brand new 4x4 SUV waiting at the rental agency. The drive over the pass is beautiful, and you and the family will sing John Denver songs as you enjoy the scenery. NO ONE will mar the breathtaking scenery by throwing up, as car sickness is only a long-ago memory.

Upon arriving in the quaint vacation town, you will pull up to the spacious vacation home where you and your gang will stay with your brother, his wife, his two daughters, your sister, her husband, and her two boys. Cozy. The family will step out to greet you and there will be hugs all around. Since the rest of the family will have been there for four days, the accommodations will be tidy and orderly. Your siblings will have saved the nicest room for you. The pantry and fridge will be well stocked, but your husband will repeatedly remind you, “We’re on vacation! Let’s just go out to eat.”

After a cocktail or two on the deck, the men will shoo you and the other women out the door. “It’s off to the spa for you girls!” they’ll admonish. “We have lots of safe, fun, and educational activities planned for the kids. Please try to stay away for awhile, so you don’t interfere.” That night, after a delightful dinner at a restaurant upon which everyone has agreed, you’ll tuck the little ones peacefully into their beds (no resistance from them of course!) and sit on the deck with your husband and siblings and enjoy the stars (and a few more cocktails).

The next day begins “Cousin Camp.” Your sister has planned it all, but this time she has opted NOT to be controlling and dictatorial. She is relaxed and flexible, and she laughs delightedly at the children’s antics. When plans change at the last minute, which of course they invariably do, she takes it in stride. You observe with wonder (and, admit it, not a little admiration!) her natural ability to “roll with the punches.” The children look adorable in their matching outfits, and they are pleased with every activity that has been planned for them. Their favorite option is the trip to the library to learn more about the state of Colorado. They share and cooperate at every turn, despite their differences. And, of course, they all agree on every event. Eventually, tuckered out, they ask for a little quiet time, and grudgingly, you agree. They settle down to read on their bunks, and soon all are out like lights.

The next day is Cousin Camp Adventure day. White water rafting is a big hit. The kids love the ride home in their wet clothes, and Paw Paw, who coordinated the whole thing, loves telling and retelling the story of when he fell out of the boat. What a sport! Fly fishing goes just as well. While not everyone catches a fish, the excitement and support for those who do is heartwarming. Not even the massive thunderstorm can dampen anyone’s spirits. We end the Adventure Day with the family’s traditional hay ride and bonfire under the stars. The time together in such close quarters has brought out the best in everyone, and you spend the evening telling happy stories of warm memories from our magical childhood vacations.

After several delightful days of shopping, lunching and communing with nature and your family, you all head back down the mountain for an uneventful flight home. The kids have opted not to purchase souvenirs, but instead they send their money to a charitable organization which provides disadvantaged children the opportunity to go to summer camp. Maybe they really are learning a little about values.

Since the kids are happily occupied on the flight home, you take the opportunity to slip the photos you have taken into the scrapbook that you prepared during those leisurely hours in the cabin. What beautiful memories. And as you head back home, you take a moment to appreciate the importance of family and memories and time together.

I’m sure this years’ vacation, like most vacations with the McCoy family, will be restful and rejuvenating and will meet all of your expectations. If its not, don’t despair, I’m planning an eco-vacation on a sailboat that we crew ourselves for next year. You in?

Laura

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