It feels like months since I last checked in.

So many things have happened it’s tough staying current and on top of things.

I’ll just realize my flaws and move on.

The tour ended the 7th of July in Pittsburg, Pa. and I must admit that this year’s tour was a blast. Don’t get me wrong; every tour is tons of fun. I mean come on I PLAY for a living. The different cities, the amazing fans, all the fun we have between my band brothers and I, it’s hard to have a bad day at the office in my line of work but this year was exceptional.

We really had a fantastic time from beginning to end.

I was able to hook up and run with some future Team McGraw members, which is always a good thing, and I saw some alumni from the NYC 2007 Marathon. It was great seeing everyone again.

But after the tour was over it was time for the family. In past years I’m usually touring the entire summer and rarely get the opportunity to go on any summer trips but this year we wrapped up early enough that I was able to take the family on a road trip.

I got home on a Monday and by Saturday we were loaded up and on the road heading south… Texas, that is.

We rolled out of Nashville bound for New Orleans. We have some friends there that showed us a great time and stuffed us full of gumbo and seafood, Nawlins’ style. The boys had a great time too. There’s a new attraction there called The Insectarium, which is part of the Audubon, and it was amazing. Come on, what little boy isn’t crazy about bugs?

Then we hit Café DuMonde for some beniegts and coffee. We had the coffee the boys didn’t need it.  The boys loved the whole Jackson Square experience with all the artisans and the mimes and music and FOOD, it was awesome.

After a couple of days there, which wasn’t enough time, we continued on our journey south. We’ve learned over the years to break up our trip. The days of driving all day and night to get there are over. It helps the boys to blow off a little steam and it saves our sanity to just drive 8 hours a day. Plus they love hotels and swimming pools. Funny huh? So, one more stop just 4 hours north of our South Texas destination would let us swim, rest and start fresh the next morning.

1156 miles and three days later we pulled into Edinburg, hometown to my wife and I.

We love showing the boys where we grew up. They are always full of so many questions about what we did when we were little.

Summer road trips should be a requirement for every family. Spending time together, seeing the beautiful country and talking about how things used to be are a sure way to have a fantastic summer and make some memories that will last a lifetime.  

I remember as a little boy in my room here in Edinburg, listening to my records trying to figure out the Cotton-Eyed Joe dreaming of what it would be like to play on a big stage with thousands of people dancing and having a good time to the music I was playing. Now, here in this moment I know, and I thank God for giving me the parents that encouraged me never to give up, the dreams that pushed me to pursue my goals, and the courage to never stop short of achieving them. And then he blesses me with an amazing wife and friend, and five little angels that make my life complete.

How perfect!