We had a nice trip planned to the Tri-Cities area of Washington. Sean was going to play in a men’s baseball tourney with a local team and some of his Dodger’s teammates. Cora and I would cheer proudly from the sidelines and as a family we would sneak in some sun and water play on the Columbia River with the kayak.

Alas, it was not meant to be. Instead, we leave much later than anticipated on Friday night amidst a flurry of facial tissue, fussy baby, and horrible traffic at Snoqualmie Pass. Who schedules construction lane closures on the way to the sun on Memorial Day weekend?!?! Turns out all three of us were on our way to fevers, congestion, and coughs, why rush?

We check in to our hotel very late, and Cora wakes up very early the next morning, with some delightful congestion to match her cough. We find some breakfast, feeling super fine, then make our way to the first game of the tourney. Cora and I set up a nice picnic, where I proceed to be completely controlled by my illness. We try to take naps in the car and make our way to the hotel after the game. To add to the fun, I got a thorn in the stroller tire and we’re on a flat for the only thing that could keep Cora happy and my nose a little clear. What’s not funny in this tragic comedy?

Despite having paid the hotel in full for the weekend, and having to leave the team short a man, the Beards packed it in. We loaded up the car Saturday evening and scurried on home to the comfort of our own beds and large supply of tissue. There’s always next time.