I pulled out of my parents’ driveway at 5:00 a.m. after four days of familial bliss. Seven hours later I was in DC.

There’s never enough time. Though one thing I’ve learned this last decade is that quality beats quantity every time.

I used to run around like a mad woman, trying to squeeze in visits to all 8 aunts and uncles, and 13 cousins, and grandparents, and mom, dad, and brothers… not to mention high school friends. I’d meet an aunt for coffee, leave 20 minutes later to have coffee with another aunt, leave 20 minutes later to meet a high school friend for lunch before picking up my grandmother to accompany me on errands. It was insane.

I’d manage to see everyone – just…. but I’d be exhausted and get shit for spending more time with one than another.

I spent two days cuddling with my beautiful niece… treated mom to dinner twice… hung out with one of my cousins for hours and hours… spent a night eating malasadas and flipping through old photo albums with one of my aunts… passed a beautiful day with my dad… went to a birthday lunch for my godmother… and saw my brothers in passing.

And saw fireworks.

But didn’t get to the beach. No time. I’ll fit in some fun in the sun next time.

How did you celebrate Independence Day?