When Lawton asked what I wanted for my birthday, my answer was easy… Time with my people. As the boys have gotten older, our schedules have gotten busier, and finding a few days when everyone is free has become harder than ever. We looked at the calendar, found one little window that worked, and booked one of our happiest places. For us, a cruise isn’t just a vacation. It’s uninterrupted time together. Morning coffee, long dinners, late-night laughs, exploring new places, and making memories without everyone running in a different direction. People always say, “There are only 18 summers.” And while I understand what they mean, I’ve found something beautiful on the other side of that. The summers don’t stop being special when they grow up. In so many ways, they become even sweeter. And that will always be my favorite gift.