"Hi Wife,

Yes, the kids and I do plan to be gone during that time as our reservations have been made. I really relate to your feelings regarding not seeing them for 12 days. I feel the same way about the idea of long stretches without them. Still, vacations have always been such a big part of our summers and I want to keep that tradition alive and maintain some normalcy. I'm looking forward to getting away...and so are they.

I'd like to make sure you and the kids can stay in communication via email and of course there are always cell phones and texting whenever you want to say hello. I'm open to any other suggestions too. Again, I really get where you're coming from and want to make it as manageable as possible.

Thanks,

Antlers"

That's my shot at it. But, I don't want responsibility for the outcome. wink