Just like that, our summer is flying by – and before we know it, we’ll be back to early alarms, lunch boxes, and school drop-offs. Hurrah! (Shhh… don’t tell the kids. They won’t understand the kind of joy parents feel when routine and rhythm return after months of summer chaos.)
Last week was one of those magical moments that anchor our summer memories. Our family packed up and hit the road to cheer on the Indy Synchronized Swimming Team – and more importantly, our firstborn – as they proudly competed in the 2025 Junior Olympics in Arlington, Texas.
Yes, you read that right. My daughter now wears chlorine as perfume and thinks nothing of spending hours upside down, 20 feet underwater, performing cartwheels, stunts, and synchronized choreography – all while holding her breath and staying in perfect sync with her teammates.
Synchronized swimming – or “artistic swimming” as it’s now called – is a sport that teaches far more than strokes and strength. It teaches girls (and boys) to be each other’s support system, to celebrate small wins, and to work together no matter what. Sometimes it means holding your breath just a little longer so the teammate next to you can finish her flip. It’s trust, timing, grit, and grace all rolled into one breathtaking sport.
Behind those glittery swim caps and graceful routines are hours of land drills, muscle memory, counts shouted in unison, and a commitment to show up for your team – rain or shine, tired or not. Watching these young athletes perform reminded me how important it is to have a place to belong and a team that lifts you up, literally and emotionally.
Of course, no road trip is complete without a few unforgettable pit stops. Somewhere along the endless stretch of highway, we kept seeing signs for Buc-ee’s. Now, I’ve heard stories – wild stories – about this gas station from former colleagues and friends, but nothing could have prepared me for the actual experience.
About 30 minutes before we reached the location, the billboards started taunting us with promises of the cleanest bathrooms in America, snacks galore, and something called Beaver Nuggets. It was impossible to resist.
As soon as we parked, we were greeted by the iconic Buc-ee’s statue, and from there, it was game on. Our whole family made a mad dash to the restrooms – and I’ll be honest, I’ve never seen such sparkling clean facilities in a gas station. Ever. It was as if we’d entered a hospitality oasis.
Photo provided
From fresh bakery goods to gourmet jerky, Beaver Chips to Buc-ee’s merch (yes, I bought the T-shirt), it was a snack lover’s dream. I couldn’t help but smile and snap pictures like a wide-eyed tourist. I may or may not have signed up for the unofficial Buc-ee’s fan club on the spot.
That one stop reminded me how even the smallest things – a silly gas station mascot, a shared snack, a clean bathroom – can spark joy during long, tiring road trips.
Photo provided
So here we are, catching our breath after chlorine-filled competitions and Buc-ee’s-fueled adventures, inching closer to the school year. I hope your summer has been just as chaotic, joyful, and full of little surprises that made you pause and smile. Let’s hold onto these moments – because in a blink, it’ll be time to pack school lunches again.
There’s a real joy in having a Buc-ee’s box on hand at the bleachers while cheering for those Olympians. (Photo provided)
And parents, it’s okay if you’re secretly counting down the days. I see you.
Can’t wait to hear about your own summer travel adventures and favorite on-the-go food picks!
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Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.