The year is 2008.

My son went off to college in August of 2007, and Peggy and I embraced the roll of empty nesters. Within a month of his departure we made trips to New York and Las Vegas (Mike’s observation — “You guys suck!”) as well as multiple trips to Baton Rouge. Once Mike went to LSU, Peggy somehow became a big football fan. Go figure.

Valentine’s Day. I decide to do something romantic and find a hideaway with a remarkable view (Peggy’s delight). Searching online I discovered an unusual spot called The Island on Lake Travis outside of Austin, TX. The online photos were almost unbelievable, so I thought it would be a perfect place to check out.

Strep throat. Not particularly romantic, but we went anyway. I figure if you feel like crap and you still enjoy a place it must be pretty good. We have been going back to the Island ever since (and eight years later I still cannot recommend it highly enough!).

Mother’s Day approaches. About three weeks out it occurs to Peggy that Mike will not be home for Mother’s Day since it falls during finals. Suddenly the empty nest actually feels a little empty.

I decide to book a cruise out of Galveston for the two of us to get away and for her to be able to think about something other than a Mother’s Day without her son. We have an absolute blast. A tradition is born.

It is now 2016 and for the first time these two traditions that started in 2008 are going to be married. That’s right, we are staying at the Island for the entire week of Mother’s Day! Two great tastes that go great together — how did we not think of this before?!

I’m pretty fired up about it, so I am sure this will not be the last celebratory post…