I mentioned last week that we were headed to Southern California for the three day Labor Day weekend. We took the kids out of school early and headed down south on what was probably  our 8th or 9th road trip as a family. We stayed with our friends who have a beautiful brand new home in Pacific Palisades, complete with a pool, a tropical garden and an enclosed patio decked out with a  wood burning barbecue and pizza oven. It was so relaxing. What made it more special is that the kids have gotten into a traveling groove and a routine. We’ve established our new family traditions. We always stop along the way to buy sunflower seeds, drinks, Skittles, Peppermint Patties and gum. The kids either play their IPods, invent car games or sleep on each other’s shoulders. They are at the age where there is very little whining and impatience. (Thank god. There’s a light at the end of the child-rearing tunnel and it’s not the train.)

Most of the time we relaxed in the pool and ate homemade pizza. Paul fulfilled his need to jump from high places by jumping off the roof of the house into the pool. (Another tradition). One day we went to the Malibu Beach  and Paul took the kids surfing. (No Mathew McConaughey sightings unfortunately.) Another day we went to Hollywood, saw the Hollywood sign, walked down the Walk Of Fame and visited Grauman’s Chinese theatre. Much to Mark’s supreme pleasure, we  drove down Sunset Boulevard  and passed the The Whiskey A Go Go, The Rainbow Bar and Grill and The Roxy. The kids got to experience all the things they’ve read about or heard about in songs and always wanted to see.

On the way home, Paul let Sophia drive on the freeway at 70 MILES AN HOUR! She doesn’t have her license yet, just her permit and I was white knuckle the whole time sitting in the back seat while Paul sat in the passenger seat calmly checking his email on his Blackberry. He taught her how to use the cruise control and to pass cars. She was delighted and quite proud of herself. It was another opportunity for them to bond.

We arrived home rested and relaxed (except for me who was still freaked out about the teen driving)  and ready to tackle the new school year.