vacation!

Just returned from a lovely weekend of food, sun, and relaxation. It's always a little amazing to me how, when I'm not home with them, my children become these mythical creatures that I'm not sure I believe in. It just doesn't seem possible that they're real if they're not with me—like something out of a dream.

Charles sounded so grown-up talking on the phone; his words were so clear. And Grey was speaking in full sentences on the phone—I'm used to his conversations being stilted and uncomfortable.

The other surprise to me about going away from them is that they actually don't want me to go. I get so used to Daddy being the #1 guy that I kind of assume they'll jump up and down with joy at the prospect of a weekend with just him. So when Greyson was so sad when I told him I'd be gone for a couple of days, it really wasn't what I was expecting. Not to say that I think they don't love me or care about me, but they do see me all day every day, and I am the bad cop when one is required, so the idea that they might want a vacation from me as much as I want one from them doesn't bother me. Seems sensible, actually. They did have an awesome time with Daddy this weekend, as I expected they would.

And now I'm back feeling somewhat lost as to where to start. So many things to do (as usual), and I usually have a fair sense of at least my own organization, even if it wouldn't make sense to anyone else. But having been away kind of leaves me at a loss, wondering what the heck to do first! Plus, I'm in the middle of an extremely gripping book, Ordeal by Hunger: The Story of the Donner Party, and all I really want to do is sit down and read!