ride

All it took today was a long ride. My 15 year old was amping up to a nasty rage because I was done buying his school clothes so the fun was over. He was tired and in need of more excitement/stimulation/attention. Five minutes later, on our way to an appointment, he was asleep! Praise was due and given. I motioned for my other kids to shhh and we drove north as far as time would allow. We saw cool shadows on the mountains from the bright white, puffy clouds in the bright blue sky. We saw baby palms propped up straight throughout a field. We saw desert-themed mosaics created with rocks on the side of hills. We enjoyed the quiet. When we doubled back and drove to our appointment, he stayed asleep. After parking, I rewarded my littles for their cooperation by making them laugh. I played little tricks on the sleeping teenager like touching his tooth and tickling his nostril. He woke up during that one. We had a good laugh. Later, he got me back by poking my nose with his jagged-nailed finger. I said "Dude, your hand stinks! Like burgers and butt!"

I'm not kidding.

I know some of you can totally relate.