It's a warm evening here in Texas. A stark contrast from a few nights ago when we lit up the fireplace, turned the lights off and sat in the living room listening to the musical comfort of crackling wood. I love nights like that. The yellow glow dances off the limestone making the tall living room walls look like the tapestry lined chambers in a castle. The deep amber reflection in the wood floor and ceiling adds to the warmth and each time the fire cracks, the sparks wind through the air curving upward into the air like gnats on fire. I cross my feet and sink deeper into the old leather chair letting my eyes close and capturing the peace of the moment. I watch the shadows of my children silhouetted near the hearth as they catch the light of the fire in their eyes. Traci's curled up on the couch nearby. I would go over there to get close to her except she's not alone. She's running her fingers through Sasha's thick brown coat as our German Shepherd lays beside her. TV is off. The sound of choice is silence. If I were to try to think of a single thing that I could ask God for to add to this moment, I could not. From Hollywood Blvd, to West Palm Beach, to the old world charm of Williamsburg, to Soggy soothing Seattle, to the upcountry of Maui, to the Jazz of Philly, to the dry chill of Flagstaff, to Pier 29 in San Francisco, to the Rockies of Salt Lake City, to Michigan Ave in Chicago, to the Lincoln Memorial at night, and back to Austin. The past year has been an amazing traveler's adventure. Yet, when it's all said and done, I would trade all of those moments for one of these. My family and our home and a cool night when all is well.