The Storm: Safe Harbor
Chapter Fifty-Eight
By Gayforkurt
Summary: Kurt and Dave have come to terms with the past but can they battle the envy and jealousy of others to make a future for themselves? This is rated M.
A/N 1: Thanks, all, your kind comments certainly make my day. Keep reading and I'll keep writing!
Disclaimer: Messrs. Ryan, Falchuk, et al are the owners of my favorite boys. Only the OCs and situations belong to me, alas.
The morning came too soon for most and it was a relatively subdued group at breakfast. For the first time, Finn, Rachel and the boys had breakfast with the others. Kurt was happy to see Lije's bright-eyed face and as soon as his mom entered the kitchen with him he held his chubby little arms out to Kurt.
Most everyone helped to put their final meal at the villa together; after the maids came with the fresh bread and fruit, they decided to use up what was left in the refrigerators. Carole headed the cooking detail, with Mercedes and Rachel assisting and Julian, Xavier and Devon helping to get the tables set. Carole had suggested using the patio so the kitchen table was taken outside as well as some of the chairs.
It was a stunningly beautiful day and if the group was a little quieter than on other mornings, no one mentioned it. Soon, with everyone pulling together, they sat down to eat, the waters of the bay and the cries of the early seabirds the background sounds to their low-key conversation. Carole had made a huge scramble with the leftover eggs, ham, roast beef, diced onions and tomatoes with the last of the blue cheese crumbled on top. Xavier had handled the toast although they had the ubiquitous French bread and rolls and Mercedes and Rachel took care of the coffee, milk, tea and juice.
"So," Burt cleared his throat as he swallowed the last of his single cup of coffee he was allowed. "I want to say for everyone here, son, this was really great."
Heads nodded all along the two tables that had been pulled together and the sentiment was echoed vocally by Finn, of all people.
"Yeah, I can't tell when I had such a great time, guys; thanks." He flushed at the huge grin he got from Kurt at that and ducked his head, trying to avoid Dave's gaze.
Mercedes chimed in quickly with: "For real, boo. Remember when we used to say something was 'off the hook!'?" Kurt chuckled and nodded. "Well, I'll never forget this place… and I've got tons of pictures to actually prove I'd been here!"
Everyone chuckled at that and the mood lightened considerably as the others started to recount what was their favourite part of the trip.
Kurt nodded at Sean who was looking from one grown-up to the other while he tortured a piece of French bread. "What was the most fun for you, Sean?"
The little boy grinned immediately. "Ice-cream!"
Rachel shook her head though she laughed along with everyone else and Puck leaned forward so he could see the boy. "What? Didn't you have fun at the water park, little dude?" He widened his eyes comically at the little boy who nodded vigorously.
"Yes, yes! And the boat, too, but mostly – ice-cream with Unca Dave!"
Dave playfully dropped his head in one hand and let out a fake groan. "Oh, no, I've created a monster!"
The group sat and chatted long after the last piece of toast had been snaffled by Finn, of course, and when Lije's head was lolling sleepily on Kurt's shoulder, they started to clear up. Dave told Carole that he would see to the clearing up and that she should relax until time to head to the airport.
She agreed happily as she wanted one last walk along the beach and she grasped Burt's hand quickly. "Come on, sweetie, this is the last bit of beach we'll be seeing for a while."
Burt grumbled a bit but it was obvious to all that he didn't mind at all as he smiled at his wife. She had been a little sad earlier that morning but he was happy to see that the mood had evaporated. The walk along the beach was a good idea as they would be cooped up in a plane for several hours until England.
Last night after they'd all returned to the villa, happily exhausted from their barbecue party, Dave had explained that he'd reserved suites for them at the same hotel where they'd overnighted on their way here. Carole had looked pleased for she'd loved the hotel's beautiful grounds.
Now he draped an arm around her shoulders and they made their way carefully down the stone steps to the beach, drawing in deep draughts of the salty air. He found that, though he would be a little sad to leave, he was actually looking forward to going back to his home. Maybe he just wasn't one to be a world traveler but he had enjoyed the trip nevertheless.
Kurt watched his parents leave as he followed Rachel and Finn back to the cottage, not having handed over the dozing baby. He smiled as he hoped he and David would have that closeness when they got to his parents' ages. He had never regretted his dad getting married to Carole and he felt he was lucky to get a chance to have a mom. His had left too soon but maybe the God he hadn't believed in for so long had felt he needed a break. His dad and Carole hadn't had the perfect marriage by any means but it was strong despite or maybe because of its ups and downs.
His smile dimmed as he entered the cottage, watching Rachel bustle about getting Lije's crib sorted before he would be placed in it. His friend had married his step-brother, a man who had not been very kind to him for much of their relationship but he knew she loved him passionately.
As he laid the baby down and covered him with his soft little comforter, he patted the little butt gently and then stroked the downy hair. He hoped he would awaken before they boarded the plane because Kurt wanted one last look at those bright, wide eyes before he left. He sighed; a month ago he never thought he would lose his heart to a bald, almost toothless little guy. He straightened up when he felt eyes on him and turned to see Finn watching him.
He blinked rapidly and smiled softly before looking down at the baby again. "You are so lucky, Finn; they are beautiful kids." His smile wavered a bit and then he nodded. "I'll leave you guys to finish packing, okay?"
Finn moved to stop him from leaving, one large hand resting gently on Kurt's shoulder. Kurt looked up at his stepbrother, a curious look on his sun-kissed face. Finn removed his hand and shoved it and the other one into his pockets, looking away from Kurt and then back again. Kurt waited.
"Look, I know I won't see you until the wedding so… uh, just take care of yourself, okay?" His cheeks reddened a bit and Kurt's brows furrowed as he watched him. "I mean, I heard you're going to Italy to perform, Dave said?"
Kurt's confusion cleared as he nodded and smiled. "Oh, yes; it sucks but I won't be with David for a while until the end of the company's run in Milan. Still, I guess we can get a day or two here and there to visit each other."
Finn nodded, his brows furrowing slightly now. "You won't be alone, will you? Burt kinda hinted that some stuff had gone down in England?"
Kurt's lips rounded in an 'o' of surprise; he hadn't realized either his dad or Carole would have said anything about the Smythe-Heffley incident. He shook his head now and hurried to reassure the other man who was staring intently at him as they strolled to the cottage's doors.
"Oh, no, no, everything's good now but I'll still have a couple of the guys with me." He shrugged and stopped just at the threshold, looking out at the greenery gleaming in the morning sunshine. "You kinda get used to odd things happening when you're in the limelight so much, really."
Once again, Finn placed a hand on Kurt's shoulder causing the singer to look up at him again. For a long moment they stared at each other, Kurt once again wondering what was up with his stepbrother.
Finn gazed down at Kurt, part of his mind on the feel of the slender but firm shoulder beneath his hand, the other on the perfection of the face before him. He didn't realize he was staring until he saw Kurt's expression grow concerned and then he dropped the hand, stepping back and smiling at him brightly.
Rachel, who had come from their bedroom with some of Sean's clothes in her hands, stepped back into the shadow of the hallway, watching the two men silhouetted against the sunny exterior. She didn't know what they were talking about but there was an intensity to Finn's body language that gave her pause. She waited now to see what he was going to do and she loosed the breath she'd unconsciously held when his hand dropped from Kurt's shoulder.
She couldn't see Finn's face but she could see Kurt's more clearly; he looked as confused as she felt and maybe a little concerned. Now she watched Finn say something and then a tentative smile graced Kurt's lips before he turned away with a little wave and moved off down the pathway back to the villa.
Finn turned suddenly when he realized she was behind him and threw a little smile at her and if there was a little bit of guilt lurking in his eyes, she chose not to notice it. He thought she looked stunning with her tanned skin and the way her vacation outfits fit her. It was his love for her that brought him to her side now, slipping his arms around her waist as she put away Sean's clothes. He nuzzled his nose into her sweet-smelling, shiny hair and pushed down any wayward feelings for anyone else.
Kurt hummed to himself as he made his way back to the villa, chuckling as he watched Puck wrestling with Sean on the lawn and Mercedes admonishing the tanned man to take it easy. He passed them with a little wave as his mind kept flitting back to Finn's odd behaviour but he put it all down to his stepbrother wanting to make amends. It wasn't necessary, really, because he'd forgiven him. Everyone was entitled to a second chance, he told himself, and he wasn't going to dwell on it.
Carole and his dad were heading back up the steps from the beach and he slowed down to watch them come closer. He was so happy to have got more time with them; the time they'd spent with him in England had been fun but too short. It was odd, he thought now, how he'd gone for such a long time without seeing them and once they'd come over, it was as if no amount of time was enough. He shook his head even as he smiled at them, I must be getting maudlin in my old age.
He slipped his arm through Carole's and strolled slowly the rest of the way to the villa, listening as she chatted on. He looked over at his dad's contented expression, happy that he had helped to put that look there.
At the house they separated, Kurt to find David and his parents to make sure they had everything packed up. Kurt paused at the foot of the stairs and glanced around the great room, wondering what it would look like later that night when it would just be four of them instead of twelve.
He really loved the villa and a little shiver of delight went through him when he remembered how David had surprised him with it. He hadn't forgotten about the ski lodge or the yacht but this was special because he'd got the opportunity to share it with his family and friends.
Now he took the stairs two steps at a time, calling for David who, wondering with faint alarm if something had happened, came hurrying out of their bedroom.
"Kurt, what is it?"
Kurt's face brightened into a broad, goofy grin and he leapt into David's arms. "Nothing's wrong; I just didn't know if you were downstairs or up and I missed you!"
Dave sighed and lowered his brows as he cradled his giggling armful. "You scared a year off of me, y'know."
Kurt pouted at him, still with his arms and legs around his lover and dropped a little kiss on his forehead. "Want me to make it up to you?" He waggled his eyebrows at David and then slid his legs back to the ground.
Dave chuckled and swatted his butt as he sauntered past him into their room. "Your idea of making it up will probably take another year or two!"
They laughed together as Dave shut the door behind them, watching his fiancé throw himself onto the bed. "Aren't you going to get changed?"
Kurt turned his head and then patted the counterpane; he wanted to relax a bit with his love first. "In a little while; come here."
Dave came over and arranged himself beside the slender body, lying on his side with his head propped on one hand so he could stare at Kurt's face. He stroked his free hand up and down one smoothly muscled thigh, enjoying the feel of the warm, silky skin.
Kurt didn't say anything for a while, just stared up at David's face with a little smile. Dave couldn't resist; he leaned down and nipped the full bottom lip, chuckling as Kurt sighed and parted his lips. He took him up on the invitation and soon he was lying half on his lover, his hand now cupping and squeezing firm ass cheek.
Kurt hummed into his mouth and eased back, quickly reaching up to give him a peck before he grumbled. "I don't think we have time to start anything, sweetie."
Dave sighed in agreement and flopped back onto the bed, fully on his back now, but gathered Kurt to his chest. "I know, but you're pretty irresistible, you little brat."
Kurt chuckled as he snuggled into him, one hand stroking the warm chest. "I really like it here, babe, very much. We'll really come again, won't we?"
Dave nodded as his gaze strayed to the balcony through which the fragrant sea breeze was flirting with the curtains. "Definitely. I have quite a few properties but you know how it is; some places are dearer to us for different reasons."
Kurt nodded in agreement and then he lifted his head to rest his chin on David's chest. "So far, none of the places we've been has been less than an 8 or a 9; the Park Avenue house, though, was definitely a 10!"
His head bobbed as Dave chuckled so he got up onto his knees and leaned over him, staring into the clear, hazel eyes. Dave was once again reminded of the way a cat would put its face right in front of yours and he smiled now as Kurt's blue-green eyes blazed at him.
Kurt stared at him unblinking and then nodded. "Tonight, we have to talk."
Dave's winged brows dipped to a point as he stared at Kurt's suddenly serious face. "Sweetie…?"
Kurt shook his head and smiled quickly. "It's okay… I just mean we have to start to talk seriously about the wedding, my work, your work, yadda, yadda, yadda, okay?"
Dave tried to sigh discreetly in relief but he knew Kurt had caught him when the singer sniggered at him. "Wow, you had me there for a minute."
Kurt settled down once more, this time with an arm and a leg thrown across Dave's body. He hummed a little before reassuring his lover: "Relax, old man, everything's good."
Dave's outraged huff had the younger man chuckling like a drain and then they laid there quietly for a while, just savouring each other's presence before having to get up and get changed. The family and Mercedes were all getting their last-minute items packed but he and Kurt had a little leeway, not having to pack until the next day.
Dave stroked his hand soothingly up and down Kurt's arm as he nuzzled his head; his lover was going to be seriously bummed when everyone left, he knew that for a fact. He would do everything to distract him, however; maybe an afternoon sailing on the bay would do the trick. In the evening, he and the guys could take him out to dinner so he wouldn't have to dwell on the near-silent house and his absent family. Later when they came back to the villa they could probably start to discuss ideas for their immediate future.
Yes, that was a good plan; he knew he would bend over backwards to keep this man in his arms as happy as was humanly possible. He caught the gleam of the engagement ring on Kurt's finger and smiled. Yes, keeping him happy was his life's mission from the moment those rings had been put on.
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KHDK
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Rachel looked around the little cottage and then pulled the door closed behind her, stepping onto the little path up to the villa. The men had taken all their things and stowed them in the boot of the cars so all she had with her were her pocketbook and Lije's diaper bag. She smiled broadly as she watched Sean dashing about on the lawn; she didn't stop him because she knew if he worked off some of that energy now, it would be easier on everyone when they were airborne.
Kurt turned to her as she came up and slipped his arm about her waist, smiling down approvingly at her outfit. She really was a much better dresser now than when they were in school when he used to tease her about her style. Her tastes had matured and he was happy to see her now in a bright yellow and white sundress with narrow straps piped in blue. It hugged her small breasts and waist and then curved gently over her hips.
She looked cool and ultra-feminine, the matching bolero perfect for later when she was in the air-conditioned cabin of the jet. On her feet she wore comfortable strappy white sandals with a small heel and her huge pocketbook was of white, water-proofed straw. Her big brown eyes stared up at him from beneath her signature bangs and he realized he would really miss her. They hugged tightly and he whispered to her that he was so happy she could come and share this vacation with him.
They teared up, inevitably, but they pulled back and smiled at each other. She leaned up and kissed him sweetly on the cheek, laughing as she tried to rub off the smudge of her lip gloss. "Don't worry, I'll be getting more later," he reminded her and as they turned to Carole and Mercedes.
Carole looked a little flushed and her eyes were suspiciously pink but Kurt suspected he looked the same way. He smiled at his stepmother and his best friend, reaching out a hand to hold Mercedes'. The group stood for an awkward second or two before bursting out into sheepish chuckles.
"Uh, look at us; instant waterworks!" Carole chuckled as she lifted a hanky to dab at the corner of her eyes. She tsked and shook her head before reaching to haul Kurt into a huge hug. "I'm going to miss you, sweetie!"
Kurt dropped Mercedes's hand to fully hug his stepmom, tears threatening again even as he chuckled. "I know, me too!"
Burt came up just then, his voice gruff as he chided them. "Come on, folks, we aren't even at the airport yet!"
Carole released Kurt and pouted at her husband, flipping her hanky at him dismissively even as Kurt and the girls giggled. "Oh, you, just you wait…"
Burt's lip twitched in a reluctant grin. "Yeah, well, I think we better head out now; the guys are outside already."
Kurt clutched Mercedes' hand again as the two friends followed the others out of the house. He dropped back for a second to make sure the door was locked and then continued to the parking area at the front of the house.
Mercedes had yet to say anything but Kurt thought he understood. It was going to be hard to say goodbye, even though they knew they'd see each other soon. Everyone separated into the various vehicles, the mood a little more somber than at breakfast and Kurt, settling in the back seat with Mercedes, deliberately put a smile on his face.
The ride to the airport in Bordeaux was probably the shortest 40 minutes he'd ever experienced. Wasn't that the way, though? When you wanted things to last, they just whizzed by in no time at all, he mused as he stared out of the window, watching the scenery as they barreled along. He was continually aware of the way Mercedes' fingers clutched his and now he started a little mantra in his head: keep it together, keep it together.
When they started seeing signage indicating they were nearing Merignac, where the airport was, though, he took a deep breath and risked a quick glance and a smile at his somber friend. He gently squeezed the hand he held and then decided to tease her a bit.
"So, got all the wines, the souvenirs, everything stashed?"
She knew what he was trying to do and was grateful so she smiled a little now and nodded. "Oh, yes, there's no way I'd be leaving that wine for you to guzzle down!"
They smiled at each other and then turned back to watch Ian navigate the various turn-offs and access roads and sooner than they both wished, they were pulling up to their private hangar. Even after both Ian and David had exited the vehicle, the two friends sat for a moment in silence and then they both reached for each other at the same time.
"I'm really, really going to miss you, boo," she murmured against the warmth of his neck, her voice a bit tremulous as she tried to hold it together.
Kurt eased back to smile down at her. "Not for long, remember? You'll be coming to my final performance and, if you want to, you'll help me with the wedding."
"If I want to? Boy, what are you saying?" He laughed at the mock glare she threw at him. "You just try and keep me away, okay; never gonna happen!"
They laughed again and finally they exited the car, waiting for the other vehicles to pull up beside them. The family milled about as Dave and the guys helped remove the luggage, some of the ground crew coming to help so they could load the luggage into the plane's commodious undercarriage.
Once Carole pulled Kurt into another hug, though, all bets were off as to who would start crying first. She sniffled as she held her stepson, whispering to him so the others couldn't hear what she was saying. Kurt's flushed face and shy grin gave them some idea and Carole finally eased back, cupping his warm face in both her soft hands.
"I expect to hear from you, soon, okay? We have a lot to plan, even though I suspect you'll have Mercedes helping you a bit."
Kurt nodded, his dark hair flopping in the breeze and smiled when she pushed an errant strand away from his forehead. "Of course, I'll be picking your brain. You'll probably be heartily sick of me by the time we get done."
She hugged him again and planted a quick kiss on his cheek. "Well, harass me all you want; I love weddings and yours is gonna be a doozy, I know!"
They laughed and she relinquished him to Rachel's slender arms. He rested his cheek against her sleek, dark head and squeezed her gently.
"Take care of yourself, okay? Oh, and don't think I'll forget about the plans to help the school's theatre department."
She looked up at him with a wide grin on her olive-skinned face. Her healthy, glowing skin was always one of her most attractive assets and he was happy to see, too, the sparkle that had returned to her eyes. Now he leaned down and dropped a kiss on her cheek, smiling as she closed her eyes.
"I have something to ask you one day and I want you to say yes, okay?" He grinned as her eyes widened, curiosity sparking deep within them.
"What thing, Kurt? Oh, please, tell me, tell me!" She was almost hopping now and Kurt released her to grab hold of both her hands before she started clapping. He didn't want to draw attention to what he'd just said because he hadn't even worked out all the kinks in his plans as yet.
His mysterious little smile only served to further increase her nosiness but he simply smiled and hugged her once more. He walked with her towards the foot of the steps, watching as Puck and Devon went into the plane. Finn was approaching with Sean and Kurt looked around for 'his baby', Lije. The little tyke was with his grandpa and Kurt watched now as Dave gently rubbed his forehead against the baby's.
Rachel squeezed his hand – he hadn't even realized he was still holding it – and smiled up at him softly. "Soon," was all she said but nothing more need be said under the circumstances.
Finn lifted Sean in one arm and then hauled Kurt into a hug with the other, smiling at Kurt's startled expression. When he straightened up, Sean leaned over and hugged his Unca Kurt, his sturdy little body held firmly by his dad.
"Bye, Sean, sweetheart. You are going to be good for mommy and daddy, right?" His blue-green eyes sparkled in the sunlight as he watched the little boy nodding vigorously.
"Yes, and daddy says I can get ice-cream again!" He laughed joyously; obviously the sweet was now his favourite thing in the world, having got a taste of both England and France's version of the frozen treat.
Kurt nodded. "Uh-huh, but you don't want too much, okay, or you may get sick." He grinned as the little boy's face took on a serious cast.
"Uh-uh, not a lot, just a leeetle bit!" And here he held his little thumb and index finger together before his eye and squinting, just to show 'Unca' Kurt how much ice-cream he would have.
Kurt shook his head and looked up at Finn inquiringly who shrugged. "Okay, I taught him that part," he admitted, hugging the little boy to him. Now he looked down at his stepbrother and smiled.
"This was really great, Kurt; like I said before, thank you."
Kurt's cheeks coloured a bit and he turned to include Rachel as he said, "I had a great time with all of you here, you know that. I just hope we can do this family vacation thing more often."
Finn nodded, his eyes roaming over Kurt's face, no sign of any previous hostility in his gaze. "Yeah, that would be good…" he started and broke off when Burt came up with Lije in his arms.
Kurt's face immediately glowed brighter as Lije, finally seeing Kurt, suddenly lunged toward him with his tiny arms outstretched.
Burt grabbed the child with a "woah, there, buddy!" and held him firmly until Kurt could get his hands on him properly.
The baby wrapped his arms around Kurt's neck, smiling at his uncle with undisguised love and the grownups just watched as the two stared at each other.
Kurt rubbed the tip of his nose against Lije's and then laughed when the baby giggled. He stroked the child's back, unaware that everyone was watching them, and bounced the baby gently before snuggling his nose against the sweet-smelling little neck.
Burt smiled at his son and then cleared his throat. "It was really good to be here, kiddo, but hey, we'll be seeing you soon, right?"
Kurt smiled at his dad and moved to hug him one-armed, careful that Lije was secure in the other arm. Carole came up to the group gathered at the foot of the airplane's steps and smiled. That was three generations right there, she thought, as she watched them separate. She felt her heart swell as she turned to glance up at David, knowing that it wouldn't be too long before more grandbabies were on the way, God willing.
Finally, the group started straggling up the steps, last goodbyes and hugs slowing the process considerably. 'Goodbye-ing' always seemed to take forever when families were close-knit and now was no exception.
Dave glanced down at Kurt who was still holding Lije and just as his love handed the baby over to his mother's waiting arms, the child looked at Kurt and said clearly: "Ma-ma?"
Finn, who had been making his way up into the plane with Sean before him, turned to glance back, amused surprise all over his face. He let out a little huff of laughter as Kurt turned red and then shook his head, continuing up the steps and into the plane.
Rachel, her big brown eyes wide, stared between Kurt's face and her baby's and she struggled to hold back her laughter. "Oh, Kurt, that's so cute!"
His flush didn't get a chance to subside as Mercedes and Carole did the usual 'awwww!' Kurt leaned forward and tickled the baby's chin, smiling at the child before dropping a little kiss on the soft cheek.
"Take care of mommy, Lije, and I'll see you soon." His only response was a string of babble, almost as if Lije had understood and everyone chuckled.
Carole turned to Kurt for one last hug, handing him off to Burt who squeezed his son before tousling his hair.
"Call me later, okay, dad?" Kurt said now, his eyes pleading. "Noah will show you how to get through."
Burt nodded, his expression tight as he held back his thoroughly manly emotions and then he shook Dave's hand.
"Take care of him, okay?" was his patently unnecessary admonition to his son's fiancé but Dave understood.
He nodded and clapped Burt on the shoulder. "Will do."
Now, last but not least, was Mercedes who, without a word, wrapped Kurt up into a huge hug, despite the fact that she was quite a few inches shorter than her friend. Kurt returned the hug, dropping his head down to the side of her head and whispered, his voice hoarse: "See you soon… and call me!"
She stepped back, nodded and then turned to Dave who drew her into a hug. "Thank you for coming, 'Cedes," he said and watched her tear up.
She nodded and then grinned up at him through damp lashes. "You guys just blow me away, y'know. Thanks for a really great vacation… and I will talk to you both, soon."
With one last hug apiece, she made her way up the steps, pausing at the top to look back at Kurt, and wave. Dave was hugging Kurt to him and, as a last image, that was a picture-perfect one. Her view was blocked, finally, as Ian raised the steps and closed the door. She made her way to her seat, stowing her pocketbook carefully before sitting.
She sighed as she glanced around the Gulfstream's elegant, spacious cabin, watching everyone get settled in. As she tightened her seatbelt she listened to the plane's powerful engines move from a low whine up to almost a scream before it settled back. When the plane started moving out of the hangar, she looked through her window, trying to get another glimpse of her friends but they were already behind her.
The buildings and tower of Bordeaux airport caught her attention, as did the sight of the other planes, large and small, dotted on the various taxiways. She sat back and smiled, marveling once more that she was here, in France, and headed for England before they embarked on their long transatlantic flight the next day. Life was so interesting, she thought now, listening to Puck with one ear as he went through his pre-flight spiel. In a short space of time she'd reunited with a dear friend and ended up on a fabulous European vacation.
As they were cleared for takeoff and the jet started its taxiing up the runway, Mercedes smiled, closing her eyes and wished Kurt and Dave the very best, mentally waving to them as the plane took off.
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TBC
A/N 2: One more day of vacation for our boys and then it's back to the real world. I'm almost sad that it's ending but that's life, isn't it? Read and review, please, folks. I love to hear from you all!