I wish I could stop time. For another week or two. We’re about halfway through our week at the Club Med in Punta Cana, and I don’t recall the last time I truly appreciated not having a schedule or responsibilities.

As I relax on the beach or by the pool, I look up from my book (what a pleasure it is to have the luxury of being able to read several chapters at a time without interruption) and I see the expansive turquoise sea. There’s a perfect breeze and the sound is incredibly calming.

Sophie and Chloe have made friends at camp and are having a great time. The kids’ programs are really wonderful here – Chloe enjoys complete independence and can come and go as she pleases. She even has a key to our room. Sophie did the trapeze yesterday and loved it.

After Papa and I dropped the girls off this morning, we played tennis and did some archery. The husband has a good eye and managed to hit a bullseye. I’m no Katniss, but I was able to score some points.

My afternoon will consist of more sea-watching and a massage. It’s tough here. Really tough.