The 12 Year Old Trip

My parents decided when my oldest niece turned 12, that they would take her anywhere in the world on a trip with just them and no parents. She chose to go to Paris. Well, when they had taken one grandchild, they had to do the same for them all. So, a few years later, they took another two (in the year they turned 12) to the Caribbean. A few years after that, England. And last summer Italy. So far, none of my kids have been old enough, but they have greatly anticipated their trip.

Last fall, it was time to plan the trip that would include Regan and two of her cousins, Ian and Avery, whom she adores. They were looking at the Adventures by Disney, because my parents had done the Italy trip through them and thought it was such a fantastic trip. Disney really knows how to take care of people. So, my mom called one day to have Regan look at the trip to China that they do. Regan couldn't believe how awesome the trip looked and since Ian and Avery had been the ones to point it out to grandma in the first place, plans were set into motion.

Regan has looked forward to this trip for probably 8 months and yesterday Scott put her on a plane to California to meet up with Grandparents and cousins. I didn't get teary eyed until I watched the car drive away. She'll be gone for 17 days! That's really long time. But I just know she's going to have the adventure of a lifetime.

First thing this morning, Porter asked when Regan was going to get home. I told him not for a long time. And he gave me the sweetest look and said "I really miss Regan." Me, too, buddy. Me, too.