I took the kids for a night out at a hotel. The beaches are so fantastic here in Costa Rica, but with kids I needed a break from the drive. So I made reservations at this hotel across the street from my house. One thing about living in a tourist town: hotels are everywhere. There was a special for Easter Week because most folks do head for that special beach place. I led Coco on a bit and didn’t completely reveal that we were going to a hotel near our home. She got all her things ready; sat in her booster seat; put on her earphones. Two minutes later, I pulled up to the front door.

Why are we stopping here? she said. Do you have to pee?

This is where we’re staying!

Laugh! I thought I’d cry.

We swam. We ate. We indulged in big beds. We made a mess. We ate some more.

As we were packing up, Coco cried and said she didn’t want to leave.

I knew what she meant. Before we went to bed (at the late old hour of 8 p.m.!), I walked around the water fountain. The sound of the water on the rocks could have kept me there for hours. Heaven.

But I still had to hide the Easter baskets somewhere in our small hotel; nibble on the carrots I brought with (bunny gets hungry you know); and sleep under that goose down blanket.

For tomorrow always come. Thank goodness it always comes.