This time of year has so many weather metaphors – March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb, right before the April showers come blowing in. You might be dealing with nice warm southern temperatures, a rainy Northwest spring, or a snowstorm in the Rockies.

Yes, that’s right – it’s the dark, cold month of February, and it’s already time to start thinking about your vacation.

It’s tough for parents to stick with a fitness plan. With 12 years of parenthood under my belt (and some hanging over it), I’ve realized that our children’s plans tend to crowd out our own. Babies wake in the night leaving us exhausted before the day begins. And after work we’re rushing between piano lessons, soccer practice, and art class.

Here’s a question: how many stops do you have to make today? On any given day, you might go to the grocery store, the park, the gas station, and out to get some clothes.

With my family, it feels like a road trip every time we get in the car. For a while, we were packing three kids into the back seat of my Kia Spectra, which took some careful choreography: opening doors and buckling seat belts can get tricky when you’re holding a full car seat.

I remember several summer trips with my family when I was a kid. Most went off without a hitch. My parents preferred to travel at night so the kids could sleep. Sleeping is a great way to avoid arguments, but traveling at night isn’t the best way to enjoy the view.

Growing up in a rural setting surrounded by mountains, farmland and outdoorsmen, I developed a great love for nature and the serenity you find by simply stepping outside. Almost nothing could keep me indoors—not even the Atari gaming system with its cool square basketball.

I have a theory: If there’s a more difficult way to get something done, I’m sure to find it. It may be a family trait.

Does your family hit the road for Spring Break? We have. Vacations are important. It’s good for us to take a break from the grind, if for no other reason than to realize how much we like our daily routine.

You’re driving a racecar, with one kid up front squeaking the horn while the other reaches for the butterscotch pudding.