You hear all the bad things about having teens.

And, I have to admit, it can be a challenge. It’s a combination of their attitude, and your wisdom. Ha.

Ok, maybe their attitude combined with your wisdom AND fear.

I love the analogy of parents being in the watchtower looking over the pathways where you see your kids walking. Not only do you see the paths they can take and where they lead, but you have also BEEN on many of those same paths. So you are thinking to yourself, “Don’t go that way! It’s a dead end! Don’t you know the shorter way is over there? The prettier path is over there – turn, turn, turn!”

And so ensues the many challenges of raising kids to becomes responsible human beings. I think if it’s all smooth sailing, you are doing something wrong!

Anyhow, despite the challenges, I LOVE this phase of life.

I think I have said that about EVERY phase. But that is because I have loved every phase (and not loved every phase equally!)

One Friday at the end of summer, I left our house to pick Zach and Zandra up at a Leadership camp they were attending. Of course, this was a camp that they were NOT happy about attending initially, but then they started having fun AND realized that this would lead to a summer job for them next year, so all of a sudden it was a great camp.

I continued along the way to pick up Josh who was at his team soccer camp. He loves this camp as he loves soccer and loves his team. I watched as both Zach and Zandra wanted to get out of the car to go greet him, then watched as Josh went around shaking hands with all the coaches as he was leaving (this is a requirement from his coach and I love it… most of the kids shake all the parents’ hands too when they see them).

Finally, I hit the last location to pick up Sam. All three kids now wanted to get out of the car and go greet Sam, and they did. He was still playing soccer so they cheered him on, then talked a bit to the coaches (who had previously coached them in years past).

We headed back to the car and they were all talking about their day, laughing, and joking around with each other. They were so NICE to each other. We were stuck in traffic (usual thing here) and we started talking about our upcoming trip to Chicago, and that quickly turned into discussions about previous trips (funny adventures and stories) and planning for our next big March adventure trip. We talked about how our vacations and travels are some of the best memories we share.

I was so overwhelmed with love for these guys and how much fun we have together (it seriously was one of those rare moments when they are not bugging and teasing each other and making me want to scream.) I told them that for the rest of their lives they have to promise to vacation with Rob and me once per year. They laughed and agreed (of course Josh agreed, as long as we pay!) Anyhow, I really was serious, and I said, “No guys, I mean it. For life. Every year. Maybe one year it will be at at house in the Outerbanks and another year an adventure.” They all agreed that was a a great idea (as long as we paid…said Josh).  I told them I was going to hold them to it, and pulled out my iPhone and made them sign their names to agree to this!!

Of course, in typical Zach fashion, he’s not giving something for nothing… they would only sign if we went through the McDonald’s drive thru and got medium fries and a McFlurry.

What’s with my boys always needing to cut a deal?!?!?

Anyhow, I agreed.

So they signed. With medium fries and McFlurries. For life, they have agreed to vacation with us one time per year for the rest of their lives.

I thought I’d better document this moment, as one day, they will have some explaining to do to their partners!

So here’s the proof (sorry future daughter in laws and son in law!)

Thought their signatures were pretty cute – looking forward to seeing if they change! Ha.

Signed, sealed, delivered and locked in for life on my blog:)