Sunday, September 01, 2013

An Ending

Phew waddaweek! We spent our last week minding the kids, or at least minding the both of them. We've spent about 4.5 years out of the past 6 doing this, and our stint is almost over although we have JJ for 3 days next week before he heads to big boy school. Danica will start on Tuesday and JJ on Friday. After taking a break for holidays, we will still get them on and off the bus for 3 days a week, but the main task is over.

It's been both great and difficult at times, but I am glad that we did this and got to know them so well. Now, we more or less go back to our lives as they once were -- just older and stiffer.

This past week was a killer for me. To begin, I was going on fumes after 6 very poor nights. The latest I slept in that time was 5:30, and the earliest that I got up was 2:30. However, I did get a few more hours later after the 2:30 rising. I tell you, though, it was driving me crazy, and I was pretty doggone beat. It's not that I go to bed all that early either.

The week was also difficult weather-wise. There was always the threat of rain, so it was difficult to plan picnics or other events. When it wasn't raining, it was really humid, and we felt quite shut up in the house. Sue and I were miserably hot on the one picnic that we managed to take them to. We did get them into the pool twice, which was very good because JJ took another leap forward, managing to dog paddle across the whole pool all on his own. He did this a number of times and was enormously pleased with himself, as well he should have been.

There were other events, which I am sure Sue will cover this week, but here are a few pics from the week.

JJ leapt farther and with greater abandon than ever before.
Buppa did a fair amount of dwarf tossing.
He dogpaddled all by himself, but Buppa stayed close by in case he needed help.
We have enjoyed good times in the pool this summer.
On the final day of the week, we went back to the chip truck for the second time this summer. The kids waited patiently for the order to be ready.




I will probably post some more cottage pictures in coming days, but this seemed like the appropriate post for now.

9 comments:

KGMom said...

Ahh--it's bittersweet, isn't it? Time passes, as it must, children grow up and move on. We cheer them, both reveling in what they accomplish and ruing the fact they must grow up.

Our memories are the one thing that will not age.

Judy said...

I've just started all over again with number six. The best part is knowing them so well. I love that. But I am soooo tired. Happy, but Tired.

Your family is so amazing. I love the love you all have for each other.

MARY G said...

Tempus fugit. But it osso rewarding to see them learning and growing. I have some 'day in the park with the grandkid' shots up on Google. She is 10! How did that happen. And JJ is in regular school Certainly the end of an era. More time for the two of you to roam.

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

Looks like JJ and Danica were pretty well exhausted sitting there waiting for the chip order. So yiu and Sue may not be the only ones getting a break soon. It's been just as enjoyable to follow along without having to do any of the babysitting, John.

Ginnie said...

So glad that you two are going to have a bit of a rest ... well deserved I might add !

Mara said...

Has it been that long already? Doesn't time fly? But I bet you are going to miss having them around. Even though you will be able to go at your own speed from now on.

Lorna said...

A landmark---and even knowing it was coming, it must have an impact.

Donna said...

Awww! Love these shots, especially by the chip truck!!
hughugs

Regenia said...

I absolutely LOVE the first picture from a slight distance of Danica and JJ waiting! I would like to see the picture black and white except for the two of them and the flowers, just because it would focus on childhood.