The Dark Weeks

Whenever there is no preschool or camp scheduled, I refer to the newfound free time as my "dark" period. There are dark days (such as school holidays) and dark weeks (such as when Spring Break or the time between Christmas and New Year's occurs).

We are currently in week 3 of a five week long dark period. Camp has ended and it is officially a little longer than a month before the new school year starts. Normally I'd be frightened by this downtime, but not anymore.

The first week went incredibly well and was easily filled with playdates of all types. During week one we had a pool party and ordered pizza for lunch on Monday. Tuesday was a playgroup at one of Ian's "best pals" home. Wednesday was a wonderful morning of outdoor play (think moonbounce, sprinkler, whale pool, & ice cream sundaes), Thursday found us at a traditional one-on-one playdate at another of Ian's "best pals" home and Friday was a greatly anticipated trip to Chuck E. Cheese.

Weeks 2 and 3 find us in Orlando hanging with the family. Throw in 3 days at the beach, a bowling birthday party for one of Ian's Florida buddies, a fishing trip with Pop-pop Jim, hanging with Dad and Rita a few days, and before you know it, it will be time to go back home. When we get back to NoVa, we will only have 2 weeks to go.

For the most part I've really been enjoying my time spent with Ian* (*see note below). He is cracking me up and a joy to be around -- that is when he gets enough sleep. His enthusiasm for our activities is contagious and I am having as much fun as him getting out and about for our playdates. Sam does her best to go with the flow and adjusted some what well to having her nap drastically change from 10:00am to something resembling the 1:00pm hour. She is a trooper!

I've come to realize that these carefree days of summer won't last long and to treasure the time and freedom I have with the kids. While it is always nice to have a plan, and know Ian is being entertained and busy, my remaining dark days aren't looking so dark. In fact it is quite bright and now requires the use of sunglasses.

*Just so know one thinks he is completely temper tantrum free, we've had a few real humdingers during our stay in Orlando. :)